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The ultimate guide to christmas in lapland in 2024.

I know what you’re thinking, what could possibly be more christmassy than Christmas in Lapland?! Thankfully the Christmas season in Lapland actually runs all year around, but if you want snow, and that christmassy vibe, then christmas in Lapland is best experienced in November to December. 

So, sit back, relax and enjoy my guide to the ultimate Christmas in Lapland which will take you through the best places to visit in Lapland during Christmas, the best things to do in Lapland at Christmas and where to stay during Christmas in Lapland! 

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When does Christmas start in Lapland?

As mentioned before the best season to experience Christmas in Lapland is definitely during November to December. November is a great season because the Christmas season is declared opened in Rovaniemi and all things Christmas related start to emerge. 

Also, you’ll have lots of snow which makes it even more awesome. 

Obviously this is one of the most peak times to visit Lapland, so you’ll need to plan in advance to avoid disappointment. 

The Santa Clause Village in Rovaniemi (the official home town of Santa Claus) declares the start of the Christmas season in Lapland every year.

Where is the best place to stay for Christmas in Lapland? 

There are so many amazing places to stay to experience Christmas in Lapland and below I run you through some of my favourites. Remember as mentioned before, this is peak tourist season in November and December, so if you want to stay in these awesome hotels in Lapland, then you’re going to need to book in advance. 

The Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi 

This is a wonderful place to stay in Rovaniemi with children thanks to its proximity to Santa Park (it’s on site!)it's not far from the airport, it’s close to Santa Claus Village and it’s got one of the most awesome hotel designs in the world: you’re staying in an ultra luxury treehouse! 

We actually had the chance to stay there which you can read all about here. But if you want to go ahead and check out prices and how to book then click here!

Northern Lights Ranch, near Levi 

The Northern Lights Ranch is a hotel experience like no other. The accommodation is in the form of “Aurora Cabins” which gives you the best chance to see the Northern Lights from your room, but not only that, there is the chance to book a cabin with a Jacuzzi outside and when you’re surrounded with snow in a Jacuzzi, it’s amazing.

Plus they have the best on-site chef I’ve ever experienced, and I would stay there for the food alone. OH and they have an Ice church ...how awesome is that. 

It’s SUPER christmassy and of the best places I’ve experienced in my life! 

You can read about our stay here and go ahead and book that amazing stay at the Northern Lights Ranch right here!

Pyhan Astelli Igloos in Pyhä

Looking for a unique igloo stay in a beautiful part of Lapland? Then this place is a gem. The igloos and aurora cabins on offer are modern, cosy, comfortable and just amazing. The resort of Pyha itself is awesome and super Christmassy. It’s a great spot for families and couples. 

Check out our stay here OR go ahead and get your amazing igloo booked right here. 

These are some of my favourite stays and if you’re looking for the best place to stay in Lapland at Christmas, I’m not sure I can choose between them all. I think if you manage to snag of those above properties, then you’re going to be in for a real Christmas treat! 

Snow Hotel and Glass Igloos outside Rovaniemi 

The Snow Hotel is exactly what it says on the tin, a hotel made out of snow that you can actually sleep in. It’s awesome! Or if you fancy staying in something a little warmer, you can stay in their glass igloos, ( which Brad and I did ) and be in with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights from your room. 

Book your stay here. 

Where are the best places to visit to experience Christmas in Lapland? 

There are lots of amazing places in Lapland that will give you those Christmas vibes. Actually when the place is covered in snow, every single area is Christmasy, but to help you narrow it down, here are some of my favourite areas. 

Well, we have to start here, because it’s the home of Santa Claus and the tourist hotspot of Christmas and Lapland. Rovaniemi is great for families as there is SO much to do.

My favourite places include a visit to Santa Claus village and Santa Park for the chance to meet Mr Claus himself, try your hand at Elf School and of course post your letter to Santa Claus at the official Santa Claus post office...

Levi is another amazing place in Lapland that’s very Christmassy. It’s a tourist hotspot for it’s access to skiing, so if you love to ski, then you’re going to love Levi. Not only that, it’s home to one of the most epic Ice hotels in the world, for a couple of years it was actually Game of Thrones themed and looked amazing. You can even stay there too. (It’s going to be cold!)

This is another great place in Lapland for those Christmas in Lapland vibes. There a beautiful national park to explore and lots of opportunities for skiing with two ski resorts! It’s also a great spot to find the Northern Lights thanks to the reduced light pollution. 

Salla is another great place in Lapland that’s super Christmassy. There is a ski resort for keen skiers and they have a really cool reindeer farm that Brad and I visited. They can also arrange husky tours, so basically you can experience all the great things to do in Lapland here too. 

What are the most Christmassy things to do in Lapland? 

Oh there are so many amazing things to do in Lapland that ooze that Christmas vibe and below I take you through my favourites, most tried and tested!

1. Hunt for the Northern lights 

When you visit Lapland at Christmas, you’ll still have the chance to see the epic phenomenon that is the Northern Lights. Some tips for seeing the lights: 

• You’ll need to escape light pollution, so if you’re staying in Rovaniemi, spend a night just outside at the Snow Hotel and Glass Igloos resort a higher chance to see the lights. 
• Go on a Northern Lights Tour as they’ll know all the best spots with less light pollution to give you a higher chance. I can recommend Wild About Lapland. 
• Download an Aurora app which will help give you the KP index needed for seeing the Northern Lights. In Finland you need a KP index of 3. 

2. Dine at a Snow Hotel 

Speaking of Snow Hotels in Rovaniemi, even if you don’t want to stay there, you can still experience what it’s like to eat in a Snow Hotel which is pretty awesome! This is one of those bucket list experiences and unique things to do at Christmas in Lapland. 

3. Take a Husky Ride 

Imagine meeting lots of amazing and loving husky dogs then going for a ride with them in the snow. That’s the ultimate lapland dream. What I will say is that you should choose a Husky company that’s ethical, so therefore I choose BearHill Husky who are just awesome! 

You can read all about our experience with huskies right here. 

4. Head out on a snowmobile 

When the snow covers the ground in Lapland, one of the great experiences is to hit the roads on a snowmobile. Perfect for adrenaline junkies and possible all around Lapland. 

Book your adventure here. 

5. Visit Santa Park and Santa Claus Village

Santa Park is located in Rovaniemi and gives adults and children the chance to meet Santa, attend Elf School (and graduate), make gingerbread cookies and so much more. Anything you can think of associated with Christmas and it will be at Santa Park. Yes I went, because I am a child at heart! 

6. Visit a Reindeer Farm and experience a sleigh ride 

What could possibly be more Christmassy than meeting Santa’s reindeer and a sleigh ride? I really don’t know! Well that’s totally possible in Lapland. You can do that in a variety of spots in Lapland including Salla and Rovaniemi. 

Actually this tour is a great one from Rovaniemi that you can book here. 

7. Dig for your own Amethyst at the Amethyst Mine 

This was one of the coolest things I did in Lapland and it’s a great way to dig a unique Christmas gift! Basically it’s one of the unique mine in the world that allows you to dig your own amethyst and take a piece home with you. You can read all about our experience here. 

If you’re coming from Rovaniemi you can book with this tour which includes your transportation, lunch and your entrance ticket. 

8. Visit the Arctic Animals at Ranua Wildlife Park 

The most Northernmost zoo in the world and the ONLY place you can see polar bears in Finland. This is a pretty awesome experience, and relatively cheap for Finland standards. You’ll see lots of arctic animals at this wildlife park. 

Just a note, they don’t have any lights for the comfort of the animals, so if you visit after 2pm (when the sun sets) you’ll need to bring your own torch or rent one. 

You can book a tour from Rovaniemi right here. 

I think this is a great chance to mention Tinggly, the awesome gift giving experience company. You can gift people experiences as a Christmas gift this year and these are some of my favourite gift ideas they offer in Lapland…

• A 2 night overnight stay for two with breakfast in an awesome glass igloo under their “bucket list experience package”. Check it here.
• Two Hour Snowmobile ride in Rovaniemi with the purchase of their “Christmas gift box”. Check it here. 

Oh and what I really love about Tinggly, apart from the fact you’re gifting an experience, is that all their experiences come with a co2 offset of 200%!

Where is the best place to see Santa in Lapland?

Without doubt, the best place to see Santa in Lapland in Rovaniemi, because that’s where he lives. You can guarantee he is there! He’s always hanging around the Santa Claus Village, and he’s always happy to meet children and adults. 

So if you’re looking for the best Lapland Santa experience then you’re best bet is to go to Rovaniemi. 

How do I get to Lapland? 

So Lapland is a region in Scandinavia, and it covers both Finland and Sweden . In this blog post we are talking about Finland and the easiest starting point for a Lapland holiday is to fly to Rovaniemi.

You can get direct flights from the UK and other European countries and I recommend you use Skyscanner to search for the best flights. 

How long should I spend for Christmas in Lapland? 

Lots of people do “one-day” trip to Lapland and I can understand why (it’s probably cheaper), but you will not get to experience the true Lapland at Christmas atmosphere.

I won’t lie to you, a trip to Lapland at Christmas isn’t cheap and you should only go if you can afford to do it. It’s the type of trip that you do once and you do it right. It’s truly a bucket list holiday. 

So, with that being said, I would suggest around 3 nights to fully experience Lapland at Christmas. This will give you a chance to visit the hotspots of Rovaniemi, the ski resorts of Pyhan, and more.

Of course the longer you have, the more you can see, but 3 nights in a reasonable amount and will leave you with amazing memories to last a lifetime. 

So there you have it, my ultimate guide to Christmas in Lapland. I hope this post has gotten you into the Christmas spirit or helped you book that amazing Lapland holiday. If you’ve got any other suggestions or simply want to ask a question, then please drop us a comment on this post. 

Happy travels! 

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Discover The Ultimate Santa Village in Lapland: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Santa Claus? Lapland is the perfect place to make your dream a reality. Lapland is a region located in northern Finland, which offers the perfect winter vacation experience for tourists. There are plenty of Santa villages in Lapland to choose from, but which one is the best? In this blog post, we will answer the question: Which is the best Santa village in Lapland?

• 1 The Secrets of Rovaniemi
• 2 The Mystery of Levi
• 3 The Wonders of Saariselkä
• 4.1 Conclusion

The Secrets of Rovaniemi

When it comes to Santa village in Lapland, Rovaniemi cannot be missed. As the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi offers a wide variety of activities for visitors during the winter season. In Rovaniemi, you can explore the Santa Claus Village, attend the reindeer and husky farm, and even witness the Northern Lights. However, the most popular attraction in Rovaniemi is visiting Santa Claus himself. The Santa Claus Office in Rovaniemi is open every day of the year, and a professional photographer takes amazing photos of you with the jolly man himself.

The Mystery of Levi

If you are looking for the best Santa village in Lapland, you must visit Levi. Levi is the largest ski resort in Finland, located in Kittilä, Lapland. The Santa Claus Office in Levi provides a more authentic and unique experience for visitors. Instead of a queue to see Santa, the elves escort you through a magical ice tunnel, then to Santa’s cabin to have a private meeting with Santa.

You can also explore other activities like skiing, visiting the snow hotel, or taking a reindeer and husky safari. After a long day of adventure, warm up by the fire with a warm cup of cocoa, while the elves entertain guests with Christmas carols, stories and of course, magic tricks.

The Wonders of Saariselkä

Saariselkä is the perfect destination for those looking for a quieter and more private vacation experience. The Santa resort in Saariselkä is perfect for families, who can stay all together in cozy cabins surrounded by snow-covered forests. The Santa resort provides activities like snowshoeing, skiing, and even snowmobile safaris. Children will also love to play in Santa’s workshop, make gingerbread cookies and other Christmas crafts.

And let’s not forget about Santa’s reindeer and huskies, who are always happy to give you a ride. The nearby Urho Kekkonen National Park is also a must-see for those who love outdoor activities, with its pristine snowshoeing and skiing routes.

The Magic of Ylläs

Ylläs is Finland’s second-largest ski resort with more than 50 slopes suitable for beginners and advanced skiers. However, the main attraction in Ylläs is Santa’s cabin where visitors can meet Santa Claus any day of the year. There is also a Reindeer and a Husky Farm nearby where you’ll get the chance to meet Santa’s loyal helpers. As you walk through the enchanted forest, you’ll encounter friendly elves and reindeer who will guide you to Santa’s home. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus himself and take part in a genuine Finnish experience.

These are just a few of the best Santa villages in Lapland that you must visit. Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä, and Ylläs are just some of the many magical places within Lapland that offer unforgettable experiences during the winter season. Whether you want to share an authentic and private moment with Santa Claus, witness the Northern Lights, take a reindeer or husky ride, or simply enjoy a cup of cocoa by the fire, Lapland has something for everyone.

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Welcome to Santa Claus Village & the Arctic Circle!

Experience the magic of Christmas every day of the year!

Santa Claus Village is located in Rovaniemi, Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Santa Claus has made Lapland in Northern Finland his home for centuries, and the Arctic Circle is close to his heart because many Christmas secrets are rooted in this magical place. Santa Claus Village is a family destination with plenty to see and do for all ages. Here’s wishing you an unforgettable visit!

Greetings, the Santa Claus Village family

Meet Santa Claus 

You can meet Santa Claus every day of the year at Santa Claus Village. Meeting Santa is a unique experience, no matter what time of year you visit us. Santa’s gift sack is always filled with good cheer, warmth, and friendship. He reminds us of a world of fairy tales and stories where everyone is welcome, not just the children. 

Cross the magical Arctic Circle 

Did you know that the Arctic Circle runs right through the Santa Claus Village? As the Arctic Circle line is marked in Santa Claus Village’s central square, you can experience something uniquely exciting here – you get to cross the magical Arctic Circle! You can hop, step, jump or even do a cartwheel!

Experience the wonder of the Northern Lights 

The colourful Northern Lights playing in the sky are one of the most beautiful phenomena in nature. The geographical location of Santa Claus Village and the surrounding area makes it a suitable area to encounter the Northern Lights. It’s important to remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. This means that while there’s no guarantee you’ll see them, the search will be even more exciting!

Be enchanted by Lapland’s nature 

Every season is different in Rovaniemi. In this Arctic nature wonderland, you can breathe in the silence of snow-covered forests, experience the magic of the midnight sun in summer, and admire the famously colourful autumnal hues of “Ruska” in Lapland. Explore the enchanting natural sites and landscapes of Santa Claus Village.

Outstanding flavours of the North

Three Elves Restaurant

Atmospheric restaurant in the middle of Santa’s Village. You can enjoy a rich buffet breakfast & delicious à la carte dishes in the evenings. Restaurant has also a cozy bar.

Ice Restaurant & Ice Bar of Arctic SnowHotel

Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, located 30 km from Santa’s Village, is a landmark & a popular attraction in Rovaniemi.

Café Ensilumi in Snowman World

Café Ensilumi is a warm, peaceful, cozy and spacious café located next to the reception of Snowman World, right next to Santa Claus Village’ Main Square.

Atmospheric accommodation

Apukka Rovaniemi City Apartments

New stylish apartments in Rovaniemi city! Located in Korkalonkatu 36 in Rovaniemi city center, Lapland.

Nova Skyland Hotel

Nova Skyland high-class hotel is located in the Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle, near the Santa Claus Office.

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, 71 luxurious glass igloos, are located at Santa Claus Village. This holiday village also includes reception & Restaurant Arctic Eye.

Delightful souvenirs

Christmas House Shop

The largest shop in Santa Claus Village. A wide selection of Lappish delicacies & beautiful gifts and souvenirs. Lots of nice jackets, pullovers, socks & accessories as well as local jewellery & minimarket.

Shopping in Santa Claus Main Post Office

An official, full-service post office, a world of unique stamps, special postcards & souvenirs with cozy Christmas feeling all year round.

Pentik Arctic Circle

In the Pentik store you will find ceramic tableware collections and applied art pieces for homes, all made in Posio, Finland.

Watch the Santa Claus Village livestream!

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Plan your stay

How to get to the Santa Claus Village? What should you know before visiting? We’ve put together some useful tips for you!

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The Ultimate Guide to visiting Santa Claus village Rovaniemi

What better way to celebrate Christmas than visiting Santa in his office at Santa Claus village Rovaniemi. Lapland in winter is the ultimate Christmas destination.

The small city of Rovaniemi – located on the edge of the Arctic Circle – is the official home of Santa Claus, it is one of the most magical places in the world.

For young and old this is a must when you are visiting Lapland. We were worried that we would be only 30 year old’s walking around without any kids, but we were definitely not alone. It is definitely a place for everyone, no matter your age.

Santa’s Village is full of hot chocolate, fairy lights, Christmas decorations, Christmas trees, snow and plenty of Christmas cheer.

So, if you’re planning your next Christmas destination why not head to Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi, Finland.

Are you planning a trip to Lapland? Check out this posts to help you plan your trip

The Dreamiest Hotel in the World: Arctic Treehouse Hotel Rovaniemi The Ultimate Guide to visiting Fi nnish Lapland in Winter Taking the Santa Claus Express Train to Lapland Arctic Fox Igloos: A night in luxury under the stars

Hey There……there is a very good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Winter in Rovaniemi

Whilst winter in Rovaniemi is a dream come to true and the ultimate Christmas destination you need to be prepared for two things! Number one, it is very cold. When we met Santa I mentioned how cold it was (it was minus 8 degrees) and he said it wasn’t cold. Santa things between minus 20 and minus 40 is cold.

Number 2, the day light hours are very limited. Sunrise is at about 10 am and sunset is about 2pm. Luckily, in Lapland, sunrise and sunset last longer than in other countries. We found that it was light from about 8:30 am until 3:30-4pm.

It gets very cold outside and inside it is very warm! I suggest packing lots of layers. Make sure you have a very warm jacket and some sturdy snow boots. Of course, don’t forget your beanie, scarf and gloves!!

Make sure you get some good travel insurance

Part of the excitement of visiting Lapland is participating in snow activities and these can come with some dangers. If you’re me, even just walking around on the ice and snow is a dangerous activity.

So while I would always recommend purchasing some good travel insurance, it is extra important when snow and ice are involved.

Before our four month trip around Europe we purchased travel insurance as soon as we started booking our trip.

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

Where is Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi

Although the rumours are that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, he actually lives in his village in Lapland, Finland.

Lapland is located in Northern Finland and the village is located in the business capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi.

To be exact, Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi is located right on the arctic circle.

How to get to Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi

The train between Helsinki and Lapland depart several times a day and takes about 11 hours. I suggest taking the overnight train , you board the train just before bed time and you wake up in a winter wonderland. That is of course, if you are travelling in winter!!

Little fun fact, the train from Helsinki to Lapland is called the Santa Claus Express.  You can read more about the Santa Claus Express here.

Matkahuolto  and  Onnibus  are the two main bus services in Finland. They are a great option for reaching Lapland from Helsinki but also for travelling around Lapland from town to town.

Rovaniemi is easily accessed by car. If you don’t have your own car you can  hire a car .

When driving in Lapland be aware of changing weather conditions, especially in winter and the long distances you need to drive.

The drive from Helsinki to The Arctic Treehouse Hotel Rovaniemi is about 10 hours.

Of course, you can also fly to Rovaniemi. Flights between Helsinki and Lapland go daily, flights between London and Lapland depart on Wednesdays and Sunday’s, and flights between Istanbul and Lapland depart Tuesdays, Thursday and Sundays.

To Santa Claus Village

If you arrive by train, you are staying at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel or you are in city center of Rovaniemi you can board the Santa Claus Express bus. Tickets are 3€ per person.

Unfortunately, if you land at the airport there is no public transport to the Santa Claus Village, however, you can easily catch a taxi.

Things to do at Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus village is full of excitement, Christmas cheer and it just seems to be constantly buzzing.

On first glance, it appears as though it is one big shopping area, and yes, there are plenty of shops (we will come to that in a moment) but if you look a little harder there is actually so much to do.

Santa Claus’ Post Office

On of the things we found most exciting at Santa Claus Village is visiting Santa’s Post Office. The post office is filled with elves but is still a real working post office.

The cool thing about the post office is that you can see the hundreds of letters that are mailed to Santa from all around the world

Can you see your home country?

Post a letter to yourself for next Christmas

When visiting the post office you have to send yourself a post card. All mail sent from the post office are marked with a special Arctic Circle stamp.

You can also purchase a postcard and put it in a mail box and it will be sent to you next year in time for Christmas.

Buy a few a postcards to surprise your friends and family at Christmas next year.

Visit Santa in his office

You can’t have a Christmas getaway to Lapland without visiting Santa himself. Santa is the real deal, he has his Finnish slippers, the most epic beard I have ever seen and he is so tall. I felt like such a child and sat in awe staring at Santa.

It was such a cool experience, he took the time to chat to us and to ask about our holiday and even wished our country well we were in the midst of horrific bush fire season.

You can visit Santa Claus for free but you will need to pay if you want photos or a video. We paid 40€ an digital copy of our photos and the video of our meeting with Santa.

Cross the Arctic Circle

Ever since I heard that crossing the arctic circle was a thing it has been on my bucket list. I thought to cross the Arctic Circle you would have to go to some remote part of the world.

But, how cool is it that the line of the Arctic Circle runs straight through Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi. The Arctic Circle is marked with a row of lanterns and blue lights.

Snowmobiling

Santa Claus Village also has some bigger activities that you can do such as snowmobiling . There really is something for everyone.

Experience the thrill of speeding through Arctic Circle on a snowmobile. Snowmobile rides start at 55€ for thirty minutes. There are also rides available for children – kids can ride a mini snowmobile for 20€ for 10 minutes.

Husky Safari

A trip to Lapland would not be complete without a visit to the Husky park . If taking a Husky Safari is not your thing you can just take some to play with the adorable Huskies.

However, if you are feeling adventurous you can speed through the arctic forest behind a pack of Siberian huskies. You have the choice of a 500 meter Husky ride or an 8km safari.

Reindeer Safari

It is said that there are more Reindeer in Lapland than there are people. Reindeers are really part of Lappish culture and they have been for years. To be me, Reindeers can only be seen on the front of Santa’s sleigh, so of course I had to take the chance to meet some real life Reindeer.

From the middle of Santa’s Village Rovaniemi you can go on a reindeer safari.

If you’re up for a bit of shopping or you’re wanting to pick up some souvenirs then you have plenty of options. There many shops where you can buy Christmas decorations, t-shirts, souvenirs, postcards, chocolate and traditional Lappish items.

Where to stay at Santa Claus Village

If you are after the ultimate Christmas experience you can stay right at Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi at the Santa Claus Holiday Village . There are plenty of accommodation types including cabins including a Sauna, glass igloos and treehouse cabins.

The Arctic Treehouse hotel is located 2 km down the snowy road and is the definition of luxury. We stayed one night at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel and I cannot recommend it enough.

If you are looking for a more budget option – to have a little more money to spend on experiences – I suggest booking a the Arctic Treehouse hotel or Santa Claus village for one night and then a local Airbnb for the rest of your trip.

Is a trip to Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi worth it?

If you love Christmas and are looking for an amazing winter wonderland Christmas experience then you can’t go passed Santa Claus Village. It is a magical way to spend the day.

I would recommend to anyone, young or old, to visit Lapland and Santa Claus Village at least once in your life.

Have you been to Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi? Let me know in the comments below

Read Next: The Dreamiest Hotel in the World: Arctic Treehouse Hotel Rovaniemi

I'm Fiona, the Australian blogger behind Travelling Thirties. Travel has always been my passion since 2007. I created this site to help inspire you to travel the world. In 2010 I moved from Australia to Scotland with $500 and a one way ticket, no one thought I'd last 5 minutes but I lasted 5 years. I share everything from one day itineraries to travel tips and tricks from Australia to Europe that will inspire you to get out and travel. Some of my favourite countries I have been to are France, Finland, Denmark, and England.

Travel Expertise: Europe Travel, France Travel, Christmas Markets, travel planning, itineraries and travel tips

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Christmas in Lapland: Your Complete Guide

If you’re looking for the ultimate Christmas break in an Arctic wonderland, consider visiting Lapland.

Here, you could be out decorating a Christmas tree and be lucky enough to meet Santa and his reindeer. Or, head into an enchanting snowy landscape on a husky sled ride, then spend the night in a glass-roofed igloo.

In whichever way you want to experience Christmas in Lapland, you can find your ideal winter escape.

Keep reading to learn the top places to visit, activities to try, how long to stay and what to wear. You’ll discover everything you need to know to plan your most memorable Christmas yet.

• Find your perfect Christmas holiday in Lapland

Where to go to experience Christmas in Lapland

You can choose from a few main towns in Lapland for the best yuletide celebration. But you’ll certainly be in for a treat if you visit Rovaniemi , in Finland, or Kiruna , in Sweden.

On a Rovaniemi trip , you’ll savour the endless festive cheer because it’s the official home of Santa Claus. Meet the “man in red” and venture out on a reindeer safari ride.

You can take your pick of activities to connect with the frozen landscape. Imagine heading out on a snowmobile ride and then ending the day gazing up at the northern lights.

Alternatively, book a trip to Kiruna , the northernmost city in Sweden. Explore Kiruna’s iconic ICEHOTEL and enjoy a wide range of snow-based excursions.

Both hubs provide a memorable Lapland Christmas experience. The blend of nature’s wonders and the joyful spirit here will have you packing all your winter clothing, ready for your trip. 

• Related: 10 Reasons you should take a winter break in Kiruna, Sweden
• Related: Finland in winter – What to do & where to go

Where to stay in Lapland for Christmas

You can choose from a variety of accommodation types in Lapland such as hotels, cabins, igloos and ice hotels.

In Sweden, you could stay at Camp Ripan to experience the Arctic wilderness from the comfort of a private cabin. Take advantage of the on-site spa, where all of the facilities have a view of the starry night sky.

For an unusual stay, spend a night in one of the iconic Nordic ice and snow hotels . Here, you will sleep in a room entirely sculpted from ice – walls, ceilings and even the bed.

As you enter, you’ll be mesmerised by the intricately carved sculptures and the glow from the thick ice walls. Snuggle up in your expedition-style sleeping bag and breathe in the fresh Arctic air as you drift off to sleep.

Or stay in a glass igloo in Finland , where you’ll sleep under a domed glass roof that allows you to stargaze. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch the northern lights dance above you as you lie in bed.

You’ll remain warm and comfortable inside your glass igloo thanks to the insulated walls and heated glass roof.

• Find your perfect stay in an ice and snow hotel in Lapland
• Related: Glass igloos in Finland – Your guide

Top activities to enjoy on a Lapland trip

You won’t be short on Christmassy things to do when visiting Lapland in winter . With fluffy snow and vast Arctic scenery, there are plenty of exciting activities to try.

1. Visit Santa Claus Village

Transport yourself to a place where dreams come true and search for Santa in his hometown in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. Take a day trip to Santa’s Lapland to meet the man himself and tour the workshops where all the magic happens.

The charming village offers a full Santa experience to make your childhood fantasies come to life. You can post your wish list from Santa Claus’ main postbox, take a reindeer sleigh ride and browse the many tempting shops.

• Live out your festive fantasties on a  Santa Claus Village trip this winter
• Related: Santa Claus Village Lapland – Activities & things to do

2. Venture out on a husky safari

Imagine gliding through pristine powder-laden landscapes, guided by a team of eager huskies. You’ll hear the sound of paws on the soft snow as you’re whisked through the dreamlike scenery.

Husky sledding allows you to head into the surreal surroundings, all while admiring the agility of these powerful animals. You’ll certainly feel a bond with your furry companions by the end of your ride.

An expert guide will teach you how to “mush” and let you take the reins if you want to drive your pack. The huskies’ enthusiasm is infectious and they’ll be keen to take you on a journey of a lifetime.

• Find your husky troop on a dog sledding trip in Lapland

3. Explore winter wonderland on a reindeer sleigh ride

Cruise through the frozen wilderness with a reindeer leading the way. Picture yourself cosied up on a wooden sleigh, covered in thick blankets, watching the snow-dusted trees pass by.

The gentle giants will slowly bring you through the glittering white forests and you’ll feel a sense of calm and peace. You’ll also learn how the local Sámi people rely on these creatures for their livelihood.

• Choose your reindeer and Sámi culture tour
• Related: Best Lapland holidays for a winter getaway

4. Head out on a snowmobile

If you’re seeking a little more speed and excitement, you can take a ride on a snowmobile. With endless trails across the Arctic countryside, a snowmobile ride will leave you exhilarated and in awe of nature’s beauty.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you can safely chase thrills on a snowmobile with an expert guide.

• Related: 7 Reasons to visit Lapland in winter

5. Catch a glimpse of the northern lights

In Lapland, you have the opportunity to see the mesmerising northern lights . Picture yourself surrounded by snow-kissed trees, gazing up at the night sky as the vibrant colours dance above you. Or imagine lying in bed with the glass-domed roof of your igloo offering a panoramic view of the display.

Of course, because the aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed. But with the long winter nights and low light pollution, Lapland is one of the best places to catch sight of them.

• Explore northern lights tours in Lapland
• Related: Best time and place to see the northern lights in Finland and Sweden

How long to spend in Lapland

When planning your trip, the length of your stay depends on the experience you want to have. If you’re visiting Lapland for Christmas , 4 or 5-days would allow you to fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.

On the other hand, even a 3-day long weekend would give you a taste of Lapland’s winter magic. You’ll still have plenty of time to meet Father Christmas, go husky sledding and explore the glistening countryside.

You can certainly visit over Christmas Day itself for an unforgettable celebration. Fortunately, you can celebrate Christmas anytime during winter in Lapland. All of the activities are running between December and March and snow is pretty much a guarantee.

• Related: Christmas traditions in the Nordics

What's the weather like at this time of year

During the peak winter travel season from December to March, you’ll feel temperatures in Lapland of between -16°C (3°F) to 3°C (37°F). But it’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach as low as -30°C (-22 °F).

Although chilly, the Arctic air is dry and crisp, meaning you might not feel as cold as the weather forecast says it is.

Aside from the weather, the daylight hours are also the shortest at this time of year. However, these long nights mean you have a much better chance of seeing the northern lights.

What to wear in Lapland at Christmas

When preparing for your Lapland trip, it’s important to bring the right clothing so you can be comfortable regardless of the temperature. The weather can be changeable, so make sure you bring enough layers to choose the best outfit for each day. 

Keep reading for a general clothing packing list for Lapland :

• Insulated and waterproof boots
• Warm waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Warm fleece
• Thermal base layers – long sleeve top and leggings
• Woollen socks
• Small waterproof backpack

You can always buy a few extra items upon arrival, but of course, it’s always best to come prepared. Conveniently, thermal outerwear is usually provided for outdoor activities like snowmobiling.

Experience Lapland at Christmas with Nordic Visitor

Why not indulge your festive dreams and create memories that will last a lifetime?

Visiting Lapland is a magical way to spend winter and experience a serene, snow-draped wonderland. Whether you are looking for a romantic escape or a family trip with the kids , there’s something to suit you.

Our travel experts make planning your ideal tour easy. Your dedicated travel expert will take care of it all, so you can relax and enjoy. You’ll also receive 24/7 support during your time in Lapland, meaning you can always contact us with any questions.

Get in touch and our experts will start planning your getaway. Soon you’ll be experiencing the magic of a Lapland Christmas holiday yourself.

Hailing from Scotland, Emma has always pursued her love of adventure. With her trusty self-converted van, she roams Europe taking the roads less travelled to experience the natural beauty of each destination. When she’s not abroad, she fills her weekends going bouldering, cycling and hiking.

Find Emma on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE IN SWEDISH LAPLAND

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CLASSIC LAPLAND ADVENTURE & ICEHOTEL

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PLANNING A LAPLAND CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY TO VISIT SANTA – COMPLETE GUIDE

INSIDE: Roam the Gnome’s Ultimate Guide to a Lapland Christmas Experience Adventure – all you need to know.

Book the ULTIMATE LAPLAND CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE! 

The best Lapland holidays include a visit to Santa in Lapland.

You will NEVER EVER regret a trip to meet Santa in Lapland.

I guarantee it. 

Take a look at all the Christmas activities you can do in Lapland to make this Christmas your best family Christmas yet. 

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links . If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO extra cost to you.

Enjoy Christmas in Lapland 

Planning a Rovaniemi holiday with kids to the Lapland Christmas village?

We have all the tips on the top 16 adventures you can discover, plus comprehensive guides to ALL the activities you must do in Lapland as part of a Christmas in Lapland adventure. 

PS: Check back soon for a PDF Lapland itinerary guide. 

RELATED: Booking LAPLAND 2021 – Helpful Guide

Image credit: Visit Rovaniemi

Should I visit Rovaniemi with Kids? 

Don’t think that Lapland is just for kids.

You definitely don’t need a child of  your own to visit. 

Lapland for ADULTS is just as much fun!  

(There’s an Ice Restaurant and an Ice Bar for goodness sake!)

No.1: Stay at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi Finland Lapland

The best place to stay in Lapland at Christmas is the Santa Claus Holiday Village in Rovaniemi. 

Without doubt, this is the best Lapland Santa experience for the whole shebang. 

Santa Village Lapland is 8km from Rovaniemi city centre. Once you reach Rovaniemi, catch the Santa express bus  from Rovaniemi to Santa Village. 

Staying at Santa Village Rovaniemi is a magical escape from real life. 

See the festive decorations, garlands, and lights at Santa Claus holiday village when you take holidays in Lapland at Christmas.

Look out for a Christmas tree outside your hotel room, AND you can even book a special personal, private family visit from Santa to your cabin! 

Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi is a winter wonderland and a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Book it! 

READ MORE: Roam the Gnome’s Review of Santa Claus Holiday Village Hotel

Image credit:  Snowman Glass Resort Rovaniemi

More Hotels in Santa Village

If the cabins at Santa Village are fully booked, try one of these options. 

No.1: Glass Resort

These posh apartments have a shape inspired by the traditional Kota buildings favoured by the Indigenous Sami people. 

The giant sized windows, and the glass ceiling make you feel like you are in an upmarket glass igloo! 

Each Superior Glass Apartment features a sauna, equipped mini-kitchen AND your own private outdoor spa. 

CHECK LATEST PRICES ON BOOKING.COM

No.2: Nova Skyland Hotel and Restaurant

These exclusive hotel apartments are in semi-detached houses.

Decorated in Scandinavian style , each apartment has a fireplace, sauna, terrace, fully equipped kitchen, high ceilings, and panoramic windows that make you feel you are part of the Rovaniemi forest surrounding you. 

CHECK LATEST PRICES ON BOOKING.COM 

No.3: Santa’s Glass Igloos on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi

These 71 luxurious glass igloos in the Santa Village are another hotel in Santa Claus Village to enjoy the Winter polar night. 

The hotel-style igloos are glass-roofed, arctic view rooms, similar to Mongolian yurts in appearance, in the centre of Finnish Lapland nature. 

No.2: Visit Santa in Real Life

Normally kids write a letter to Santa, find out Santa’s postal address, pop it into the Santa Post Office box, and then wait for official letters from Santa. 

This year, you don’t need to post your Santa letter. 

Hand deliver your Christmas letter to Santa in perso n at the Main Santa Claus Office in Santa Village. 

Kids have so many questions about Santa.

• Where does Santa live?
• Where is Santa located?
• Does Santa live in Lapland? 

Here you can ask him these questions yourself!

No.3: Visit the Santa Claus Main Post Office Rovaniemi

You may like to write a letter to family and friends back home while you are here, and post it from the official Post Office in Santa Village.

The Lapland Post Office in Rovaniemi is where you can have your letter or postcard franked (stamped) with an official North Pole postmark. 

Santa’s post office is open daily, 365 days a year. 

Take a look inside here

No. 4: Christmas Exhibition at Christmas House

Pop in to see this glorious Christmas exhibition in Rovaniemi featuring the many ways people celebrate Christmas around the world. 

It’s free. 

Hot tip: There’s another Santa here. Skip the queues at the main office and visit Santa here instead. 

Grab all your Christmas ornaments and Christmas souvenirs at Christmas House gift shop here too. 

No. 5: Shopping at Santa Village 

Visit the Santa Village shops.

There’s a Marimekko shop , for those who love this famous designer. 

Plus Santa’s Chocolate and Candy Shop for those with a sweet tooth desperate to try Finnish chocolate. 

Pick up authentic Finnish souvenirs at Arabia Iittala outlet , Balmuir store, Lappituote, Moomin souvenirs , and the famous knife shop, Marttini

Don’t miss picking up a real Finnish Lapland woollen jacket from Saga gifts. 

Or traditional Finnish food including:

• locally made Finnish jam 
• tinned reindeer meat (!) or
• Finnish porridge. 

No. 6 Santa Park Arctic World

Did you know there’s a Santa theme park in Finland?

There is. 

It’s just 2km up the road from Santa Village.

Santa park is an indoor theme park for younger kids. 

Read our review of Santa Park for a sneak peek. 

READ MORE: Roam the Gnome’s Review of Santa Park Lapland

No.7 Ride in a reindeer sleigh or sled

A Lapland Christmas is not complete without a visit to a Reindeer Farm, and   Reindeer sleigh rides or a sledge .

You can also take a short reindeer sleigh ride in the Santa Village but to see a reindeer herd, you need to head out on a tour. 

Try this popular one with Get Your Guide where you can learn about the life of a reindeer on a traditional Sami reindeer farm, try for your Reindeer driving licence, and enjoy blueberry tea and warm cookies inside a kota hut by the fire. 

Or this one where you can watch reindeers eating their breakfast, takes lots of pics up close, and enjoy a short reindeer sleigh trip too 

Here’s a whole day tour alternative for animal lovers:

Rovaniemi Arctic Animals Full Day Tour – Visit Husky Park, Ride in a Reindeer Sledge, & Visit Ranua Wildlife Park

No. 8 Visit Snowman World

Snowman World is the place to go tubing down icy channels. 

The big one is FAST and will take your breath on the corner swing! 

Go ice skating, slip down the indoor ice slide, and possibly meet a “Snow Man” character in real life if you happen to be in Snowman World at the right time. 

Head into the Ice Restaurant and Ice Bar to look at all the ice sculptures. 

Hungry? You will be.

Book a traditional Finnish lunch , or dinner here.

It’s a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Book Now: Snowman World Winter Zone Ticket  (Likely to sell out) 

No. 9: Book Santa Fun Day Rovaniemi tours

This Lapland Experience was one of our favourite things to do in Rovaniemi at Christmas time in the snow.

We are SO happy we were able to leave Santa Village and head out further into the surrounding countryside to see spectacular untamed snowy forests and experience a frozen lake.  

Santa Fun Day is a BIG DAY of Lappish children’s games and activities in a Lapland snowy forest including:

• ice fishing experience 
• mini skidoo for children
• snowmobiling by sledge
• ice fishing
• snowshoeing
• toboggan carousel
• playing ice games
• making your own snow sculpture, and 
• a little snack of the most incredibly delicious sausage, and a hot drink by the campfire.

We had a ball! 

READ MORE: Roam the Gnome’s Insiders Guide to the SANTA FUN DAY (coming soon)

No. 10: See all the Animals in Lapland 

In Rovaniemi on a Lapland holiday, you can meet lots of Lapland animals.

• Visit a Husky farm at the Santa Village and take a Husky sledge ride
• Visit a Reindeer Farm and enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride
• Visit Ranua Zoo to see the polar bears, lynx, red foxes, elk, and eagles
• Visit the Elf Farm to pat reindeer, and say hi to local domestic animals

Read more: The Complete Guide to all the Animals in Lapland you can meet (coming soon!)

No.11: Walk over the Arctic Circle Crossing

Yes, you can do this at Santa Village, and at Santa Park too.

If you visit the Elf Farm in the village, you can borrow their equipment to snow-slide cross the Arctic Circle on traditional Lappish skis. 

No.12: Play in the Rovaniemi Snow

“When does it snow in Rovaniemi?” is a commonly asked question.

The safe bet is not to book your Lapland Christmas trip any earlier than mid-December to be on the safe side. 

Definitely not before the first week of December at a pinch. 

Playing in the deep permanent snow at Rovaniemi is one of the best memories you can make with your kids.

Hot tip: If you stay at Santa Claus Holiday park, they give you a sledge to use on the snow for the duration of your stay! 

Click here to find the latest Rovaniemi snow report.

We encourage you to bookmark the page. 

No.13: Lapland Activities: Snowmobile Tours

Hop on a snowmobile at least once during your Christmas holiday in Lapland.

You can visit the Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park in Santa Claus Village for:

• short snowmobile rides
• longer snowmobile safaris through the Rovaniemi forests, and
• snowmobile sledge rides to the Northern Lights.

(See No.14) 

Kids can try a 10 minute mini snowmobile around the track!

Book now: 5 hour Snowmobile Safari AND Ice Fishing experience (this is a popular tour, and likely to sell out) 

No.14: Northern Lights Christmas Viewing

Cross your fingers and toes when you book a tour to see the Rovaniemi northern lights at Christmas time.

December is one of the best times to view the Northern Lights in Lapland IF they are playing fair, and will shine their magnificence across the sky.

Sadly there’s no guarantees, but that’s half the magic.

Not everyone gets to see the Northern lights , and that means it’s a great story to tell when you do.

Book now: Northern Lights tour via snowmobile sledge  (This is the tour we took.) 

No.15: Meet the REAL Father Christmas in Lapland

As far as we believe, there’s only one place you can meet REAL Lapland Elves, and Father Christmas himself.

The Lapland elves with pointy ears , and adorable outfits reside at Secret Forest of Joulukka , and you can book one of three tours to visit the Joulukka forest.

We booked the Santa’s Toy Factory experience. 

This was one of the most magical days of my life.

It’s not the cheapest Santa experience for the short time you are there, but if you can save up some extra funds, we highly recommend it. 

It’s the best Santa Lapland experience for a whole immersion in the world of Santa , away from hundreds of tourists visiting Santa Claus village. 

READ MORE: Rovaniemi Santa Comparison Guide

No.16: Visit an Amethyst Mine in Winter

Did you know there’s the only amethyst mine in Europe and it’s just a few hours away from Rovaniemi in Luosto?

Visit the Lampivaara amethyst mine to search for your own stone memento. 

An Amethyst mine tour includes learning about amethyst, how it is mined (it’s environmentally friendly), hearing the stories and the myths about this precious purple gemstone.

You’ll be taken on a snow train wagon called a pendolino, pulled by a snow machine. 

Tours also include refreshments including warm berry juice, and a keepsake  of purple amethyst.

Book now: Amethyst Mine Tour to Luosto from Rovaniemi hotels (Get your Guide tour) 

Take a Lapland Day Trip

There’s plenty of trips to Lapland you can book.

A day trip to Lapland from London is doable.

There’s lots you can do in Lapland for a day, and you can definitely experience the magic of Lapland.

But Santa day trips are rushed.

Book at least a one night or two night trip to Lapland if you can. 

It’s a shame to miss out on so much fun. 

Cheap Lapland holidays? 

The cheapest Lapland breaks are the Lapland deals you can book through companies such as:

• Tui Lapland
• Santa Claus Trips
• Santas Lapland tours, and
• Regent Holidays. 

There’s debate over who is the best company for Lapland holidays or Lapland Christmas tours.

Ask around and do your research. 

THE INSIDE SCOOP: Visit Lapland with Kids

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome . Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in EURO, unless otherwise stated

How to get from London to Lapland

You can take flights to Lapland Rovaniemi from London via Helsinki. 

Or you can fly to Helsinki, and catch the train there and back. 

Or fly to Helsinki, take the overnight train to Rovaniemi, and fly back to London (as we did.) 

How to get from Helsinki to Lapland on the overnight train

Take a look at our overland adventure on the train from Helsinki to Santa Village. 

Long distance train travel is fabulous fun, and we’d do this sleeper train to Rovaniemi all again in a flash. 

Read this: How to get from Helsinki to Rovaniemi on the overnight Santa train 

How to get from Rovaniemi to Santa Claus Village Lapland

Details here.

Photo by FlightLog ( CC BY 2.0 ) via Flickr

How long is the flight to Lapland? 

From Helsinki, about 1 hour and 20 minutes

From London, 3 hours and 20 minutes on a direct flight. 

READ MORE: Our ultimate guide on how to get to Lapland (coming soon) 

Frequently Asked Questions about Lapland

No.1: where is lapland located .

It’s the northern part of Finland, AND Sweden, Norway, and Russia

No.2: Is Lapland a country? 

No, Lapland is a region, covering the top third of Finland (and stretching across the other Nordic countries and Russia mentioned above). 

No.3: Is Lapland a REAL country?

Well, that sounds like it’s a question for Santa himself. 

The answer is yes and no.

It’s a real place , (and you can visit Santa there at his modern day abode in Rovaniemi these days), but officially Lapland is a region within the four countries mentioned above. 

No.4: When does it snow in Rovaniemi? 

It’s tricky to predict, but historically, there’s permanent snow from early December to early-mid April. 

No.5: What to wear in Lapland? 

LOTS of layers.

Thermal underwear, long sleeved shirts and pants, covered by thermal suits and waterproof boots.

It’s the only way to get around without freezing your bum off. 

READ MORE: Roam the Gnome’s Guide on What to wear in Lapland in Winter

Detailed Guides for Lapland Christmas Experience Activities

Click the blue links below for more Lapland tips

Guide to the Santa Claus Village Post Office Shop

All you need to know about christmas house restaurant and coffee shop, best things to do in rovaniemi in summer and winter.

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• Dream of Joulukka
• Santa’s Toy Factory Adventure
• Santa’s Grand Adventure
• Joulukka Christmas Special
• Joulukka New Year Special
• Private Toy Factory Magic with Santa Claus
• Private Gingerbread Masterclass with Santa Claus
• Exclusive Private Meeting with Santa Claus
• Private Dream of Joulukka
• Guardians of Lapland
• Private Lappish Dinner in Kota
• Our Top Secret Locations

Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka

Step Into Your Very Own Christmas Fairytale

Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka is an exclusive destination where you can experience the magic of Christmas either privately or in small groups. The unique surroundings of the Lappish forest, our enchanting programs full of Christmas magic and surprises, conducted specially for you and your nearest and dearest with a touch of local traditions, are guaranteed to delight guests with the highest standards – kids and adults alike.

Come to visit us at Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka and enjoy an unforgettable private meeting with Santa Claus, discover the secrets of the real elves and take part in fun holiday activities!

Group experiences

Group programs are taking place several times each week from the beginning of November to end of March and joined by multiple families.

Private experiences

Private Experiences – selection of fairytales that are done for your dear family only and available all year around.

Tailor-made experiences

Ever since we were children everyone had their own dream of Christmas fairytale. Let us make your dreams come true in Lapland for your nearest and dearest.

Design your own perfect fairytale with us!

Feel your fairytale

See what our guests have to say

Being in the Forest with the Elves

The elves are the best forever! Being in the forest was an incredible experience, we were learning about the history and manners of Finland from the elves, and playing with them! They are so funny, I want to come back now!

Guest feedback

"We didn't do the private experience and only had about 12 others in our group which didn't take away from the experience at all. The kids loved the elves that looked amazing and were very playful. the meeting with Santa at the end felt very private the way the elves organized it and we had plenty of time to chat and ask questions. The forest itself is stunning with squirrels and dear running through the trees. Highly recommend."

The Best Christmas Activity Ever!

By far, this was the best Christmas experience we had in Rovaniemi. A HUGE thank you to Elf Sandrina who captured the essence of Christmas and made my daughter's experience incredible. To be taken out to the forest and go through Elf School couldn't have been more magical.

Christmas spirit found

"We took our two grand children (3 and 5 years) to Joulukka. To them (as well to us) it was a fascinating, exciting place. The elves were so nice to children guiding them through the magic world. They knew them by name which gave a very personal touch for the visit."

Once in a lifetime experience

"This adventure was truly magical. The elves were wonderful and the entire excursion was like a dream. Just beautiful."

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Christmas in lapland: how to plan the best trip.

If there’s one time of year everyone wants to visit Lapland, it’s in the lead-up to Christmas.

After all, this winter wonderland just screams festive fun and if there’s one surefire way to get you into the holiday spirit, then kicking off Christmas in Lapland is surely it!

And I should know!

It’s not every year you get to head to Lapland in December, but that’s just what lucky old me got to experience and, let me tell you, it’s certainly a trip I’m never going to forget.

Soaking up every snowflake of festive feeling that I could in this totally unique and breathtakingly beautiful landscape, Christmas in Lapland really was one of my top travel experiences and I’m here to bring you the full lowdown to ensure you have the best time there too.

With all my top tips on how to get there, where to stay, what to do, what to pack and my top Christmas in Lapland budget hacks, this guide is jampacked with all the advice you need.

So let’s get stuck in with how to plan your perfect Christmas in Lapland experience…

Related Posts

• Staying in a Glass Igloo in Lapland: All You Need to Know
• Ultimate Finland Travel Itinerary
• 12 Ways to Holiday in Lapland for Less

My stay in Lapland was sponsored by Arctic Guesthouse & Igloos and Ranua Wildlife Park but, as always, all views are my own.

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

#1 Get Organised

So the first thing to know when it comes to planning your Christmas Lapland trip is that you need to get organised.

To start with, it pays to know that Lapland – the region – actually spans 4 different countries, namely Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.

However the part that’s most famous for those wishing to experience Christmas in Lapland is Finland.

Yes it’s certainly Finnish Lapland that provides the best array of festive activities and adventures, so I’d centre your research around this region if you want to have the best holiday experience possible.

Understandably, the lead-up to Christmas is the most popular time to visit Finnish Lapland, which means you need to get started with your planning early. This will help ensure you have the best choice over activities, places to stay and, of course, availability and prices.

Alternatively, if you want to have more flexibility and pay slightly lower prices, you may opt to enjoy Christmas in Lapland in November, instead of December.

That said, it pays to know that while prices at this time of year might be cheaper, in November the snow in Lapland is a lot thinner on the ground – literally!

Yes the snow only really starts to come down heavily in December in Finnish Lapland, which means to enjoy those winter wonderland views, it’s certainly worth paying a bit more to visit in December and get that full Christmassy feeling.

#2 Watch Your Budget!

Alternatively, January and February are cheaper months to visit Lapland, so if budget is a key concern, you might opt for these months over November or December.

However, if it’s the festive feels you’re really after, then December is certainly the time to head to Lapland… just watch your budget!

Yes, as I mentioned in the above point, getting organised and booking certain elements of your trip in advance is a key way to your costs from spiralling out of control – definitely pretty important when to comes to having a stress-free, seasonal trip here!

For Christmas in Lapland, the general rule of thumb is that the further in advance you book, the cheaper it’s likely to be.

Last-minute deals are rarely a thing when it comes to Christmas in Lapland, so don’t be afraid to book accommodation, flights and even some activities months in advance…. many do!

It’s also worth pointing out here that you certainly don’t need to employ the services of a travel agent to arrange your Christmas in Lapland trip.

DIY trips are both easy to plan and book (with everything very well set-up for tourists), and making a travel itinerary yourself will likely save you a fortune, as you won’t be paying the costs of any middlemen to do the research.

And on that note, reading blogs about how to plan your trip, as well as what to expect, is a great place to start, so you’re already on the right track!

Check out this post I wrote about how much my Finland travels cost to learn more.

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#3 Think About How Long to Spend There

Now that you’ve thought about when to visit Lapland for the Christmas experience that suits you best, it’s time to think about how long to spend there.

Given that this is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it’s worth making sure you get the best value for money from your Christmas Lapland experience and, as such, I think a stay of around 5 nights is a nice balance between budget considerations and getting the most from your time there.

Anything less than 4 nights is likely to make your trip feel rushed and you’ll miss out on some of the top festive activities you can enjoy here.

In contrast, 5 nights will allow you to enjoy many of the top things to do during Christmas in Lapland and increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights too.

5 nights is also short enough to ensure you don’t become too drained by the freezing temperatures in this sub-zero winter destination… but more about these later!

#4 Consider Where to Stay Carefully

And now we come to a key component in planning the best Christmas in Lapland experience – where to stay.

We’ve already discussed that Finnish Lapland is the region most people head to for their Christmas experiences but, within this area, there are many different towns where you can base yourself.

The main town in Finnish Lapland is the tourism hotspot of Rovaniemi – home to the official Santa Claus Village and a major international airport.

The other flagship resorts in Finnish Lapland are Levi, Pyhä, Salla, Inari and Saariselka.

Inari and Saariselka are the furthest north and are serviced by Ivalo airport.

Levi is in the northwest of Finnish Lapland and is accessed via Kittilä International Airport.

Pyhä and Salla can both be accessed from Rovaniemi in the south.

That said, I’d actually avoid all these main tourism hotspots when it comes to the best Christmas in Lapland experience because they tend to be very crowded and very commercialised.

Instead, for those real picture-perfect views, I’d head to a smaller and more authentic Finnish Lapland town instead – one that boasts loads of great activities and tourism infrastructure, but that still retains a very genuine and quintessential Christmas Lapland experience.

And luckily I know just the place!  

Ranua is a small local town of just 4000 people with a very authentic and genuine Finnish feel.

Safe and welcoming, Ranua is just an hour’s drive from the major airport at Rovaniemi and has some great tourism infrastructure, including traditional places to stay, iconic glass igloos, a famous wildlife park and loads of brilliant Lapland activities on offer that will get you right into the holiday spirit

Hiring a car, using a public bus, opting for a private transfer service or taking a taxi are all ways you can easily get from Rovaniemi airport to the centre of Ranua and, once there, I’d head for the Arctic Guesthouse who provide affordable guesthouse accommodation in traditional Lapland buildings or unique, bucket list stays in eco-friendly glass igloos.

Owned by local people, the Arctic Guesthouse provides guests with an intimate and authentic stay that includes breakfast, wifi, a dinner menu and 2 great saunas which are free to use.

Check out the review of my stay there here .

#5 Research How to Get There

Now that I’ve let you in on my Christmas Lapland secret about the best place to stay, it’s time to talk about getting there – this is definitely a key part of planning the trip!

If you’re heading to Ranua, then you can fly to Rovaniemi direct from London (along with several other European cities) and from Helsinki too.

As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best deals as these guys include budget airlines in their searches.

Alternatively, you can also catch the overnight train to Rovaniemi from Helsinki.

Learn more about all the travel routes from Helsinki to Lapland (including those by train) in this article I wrote.

#6 Travel Insurance

After all, you don’t want to risk your Christmas in Lapland being ruined by a travel accident.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

#7 Make Sure You’ll Be Warm Enough

Well you’re really getting along with organising the perfect Christmas in Lapland trip now, but there are still a few practical details you’ll want to take into account.

And a key one here is making sure you have the appropriate clothing because, trust me, a key part of having the best experience will be making sure you’re warm enough!

You can check out my complete packing list for a winter trip to Finland here , which is an item-by-item guide as to exactly what you should pack, but for now, I’ll just say loads of warm layers are absolutely crucial!

Temperatures can get down to minus 50 degrees celsius in Lapland – they were minus 20 for most of my adventure there – so skiwear, merino layers, thick wool jumpers, thermal socks and hand warmers are all essential.

If you don’t have the outer layers you’ll need, like snow boots and snowsuits, you can often rent them here.

Otherwise, if you want to grab some gear while you’re still at home, I’d definitely start planning what you’re going to wear and pack for Christmas in Lapland at least a few weeks ahead of the trip.

This will give you the time to both research and buy any items you might need.

#8 Pick Your Lapland Christmas Activities

We’re almost there when it comes to prepping your epic Christmas in Lapland, but there are just a couple more crucial steps.

And something we couldn’t overlook, are the things to do in Lapland that will have you enjoying your slice of festive fun to the max.

Indeed, I was pretty amazed just how many activities you could enjoy in the snow here, so do believe me when I say it might take a bit of research and time to pick your favs.

From snow-shoeing to reindeer visits, snowmobile rides to northern light tours, husky-sledding to sauna-ing, I loved all these activities and certainly found they were the best way to soak in the winter wonderland and revel in the Christmas card landscape of Lapland.

Thankfully, organising all my activities was easy due to the amazing services of Ranua Wildlife Park, who not only lent me the snow gear I needed, but also put together an incredible itinerary that gave me the most incredible Lapland experience.

Their guides were brilliant, friendly and knowledgeable (plus they spoke perfect English) and their safety was top-notch too.

All the animals we encountered during the activities were well-cared for too, and the great range of activities they provided meant there was something for everyone… kids and grandparents included.

Top of my list had to be the reindeer visit, the snowmobile rides and my time with the huskies and, if you want to get the best Christmas in Lapland experience, these would be my top picks for you.

Learn more about all these options and more on my list of the top things to do in Lapland .

#9 Plan Your Santa Visit

And last but not least, Christmas in Lapland wouldn’t be complete with a trip to Santa!

And you’re in luck!

Finnish Lapland is the official home of Santa and Rovaniemi is where the Santa Claus Village can be found.

If you’re heading to Ranua to enjoy the glass igloos at the Arctic Guesthouse and the activities at the Ranua Wildlife Centre, then it’s easy to stop in at the Santa Claus Village, just a few km from the Rovaniemi airport, on the way.

Seeing Santa here is free, although you do have to pay for a photo, and this is a great activity for kids, big and small, alike.

Yes everyone loves meeting the big Christmas man and your time with him isn’t super rushed, which made the experience feel very heart-warming.

You do have to queue to get in to see Santa, but colouring crayons make it easy to pass the time, or you can talk with kids about the questions they want to ask the King of Christmas himself!

Either way, this activity is one of the pivotal Christmas in Lapland experiences you can’t miss!

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there it is, my guide to planning the best Christmas in Lapland!

I hope I’ve made prepping for your trip to this magical region a little easier, but if you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop them into the comments below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

2 thoughts on “ Christmas in Lapland: How to Plan the Best Trip ”

I want to experience this Lapland adventure with my daughter & husband

Great idea Donna! Happy travels, Steph 🙂

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Lapland Santa Holidays

Make dreams come true with a trip to Lapland, where you can meet Santa Claus in his homeland. Experience Christmas wonders with your loved ones on a Santa holiday in Lapland, organised by the regional travel experts at Nordic Visitor.

Visit Santa in Lapland

Looking for Santa trips to Lapland? We can help!

Head to the home of Santa Claus for an unforgettable trip to this winter wonderland. Expect magical experiences galore when you visit Lapland in winter . As well as meeting Father Christmas, you can marvel at stunning white scenery, chase the northern lights, and enjoy fun excursions like dog sledding.

Choose between visiting Swedish or Finnish Lapland for your Santa tour. Read on to find out more about each region and see which one would suit you best.

When you book a trip to Lapland with Nordic Visitor, you get handpicked accommodation, airport transfers, access to our 24/7 helpline, and many other benefits. You also enjoy personal service from your own dedicated travel consultant.

Get in touch via our contact form, live chat or toll-free numbers and we'll gladly plan your Lapland getaway.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• All bookings protected by our package travel insurance
• Accommodation, activities, transfers & breakfasts included
• Professional service from Scandinavian-based travel experts
• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options

Santa Trips to Lapland

Meet Santa in Lapland with one of these expert-curated tours. Your package includes accommodation, excursions, return airport transfers, and daily breakfast.

Best of Lapland Complete - Rovaniemi

Winter getaway at the arctic snowhotel, winter adventure at the arctic snowhotel, best of rovaniemi - classic, santa claus village & dog sledding, best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, best of lapland express - rovaniemi, lapland travel experts.

As a travel agency based in the Scandinavia region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Lapland. Choose from a variety of tours that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights, all handpicked by our own Scandinavian travel experts. 

To ensure a stress-free Lapland trip, Nordic Visitor handles all the local details for you: accommodation, activities, airport transfers and other services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! For example, you might decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location. In that case, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Super organised

Everything was super organised and detailed, there is nothing to complain well done Nordic Visitor. We enjoyed all tours that were organised for us.

Amazing experience

Having not done a tour like this before, it was comforting to know that someone else had taken the reins and everything was double-checked. Liza was helpful with all my booking questions and all the team members we met on our trip were friendly and knowledgeable. We learnt so much about Swedish life and traditions on our stay, in addition to some amazing experiences.

Trip of a lifetime!

This was a trip of a lifetime and I would do the exact same trip over again! We had a blast and cannot wait to get back to Sweden. 

Thanks Nordic Visitor!

Nordic Visitor made booking what could be a potentially complex trip (finding the right accommodation and day trips, etc.) really easy. We booked very last-minute and our consultant Ruzena could not have been more helpful - booking and arranging the package we wanted for the exact dates we requested at short-notice. Thanks!

Unforgettable experience

It was the best decision to book with Nordic Visitor. Juliana, our travel agent, responded quickly and gave us great tips and service when we needed it. The excursion we took, snowmobiling and chasing the northern lights, was unforgettable, and the dog sledding was a wonderful experience. The stay at the seasonal ICEHOTEL - wow! Every detail was well planned and scheduled by Nordic Visitor. We are extremely grateful and it exceeded our expectations.

Exactly what we're looking for

This was my second tour with Nordic Visitor, and I will continue to use them as a first choice option when exploring trips in the Europe area. They offered exactly what my wife and I are looking for in planning guided and semi-guided experiences.

We were well looked after

We had a fantastic time. We were well looked after. Our activities were well laid out. Liza our Nordic Visitor agent was really good keeping us informed as well.

We absolutely loved our experience with Nordic Visitor! From our first inquiry to our last goodbye, we had exceptional service and attention. It quite literally was everything we asked for and more! Our travel consultant worked diligently to accommodate our every wish, was always in communication with us, and was simply amazing! This was a trip of a lifetime!

Outstanding experience!

The entire experience was perfection! The dog sledding was outstanding. There are no words to adequately describe how beautiful and peaceful it is out there with the dogs. The reindeer farm was so fun! Everything and everyone was truly outstanding! All of the drivers were prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable. Starting every day with such a beautiful and thoughtfully prepared breakfast spread was above and beyond. Every excursion/tour was amazing, from the guides to the food to the excursions themselves. We loved everything.

Nordic Visitor thought of everything

I can't say enough about Nordic Visitor. They really thought of everything and handled even real time unexpected issues promptly. We would have definitely not had such a good experience had I tried to plan this all on our own!

Thrilling trip!

We were very pleased with our trip to Lapland, Finland. Quite honestly, we didn't know what to expect, because we had never been there before. The activities we experienced (snowmobiling, dog sledding, reindeer sledding) meant we were thrilled with our trip. Nordic Visitor made the travel very smooth and enjoyable.

Excellent experience!

Cannot fault our experience. Everything was made very easy from start to finish. Thank you so much. Loads included but still had enough time to do other things and explore on our own. Excellent experience. No glitches so no negative memories of the experience. Loved equally by child and adults!

Getting to Lapland

Nordic Visitor tours of Lapland begin in either Kiruna, for Sweden itineraries, or Kemi or Rovaniemi for Finland trips. You can find some direct flights from airports across Europe.

Otherwise, you can reach Lapland with connecting flights from Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, or Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Another option is to fly to Copenhagen in Denmark and travel to Lapland from there.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main gateway for international air travel in Sweden. From Stockholm, you can fly to Kiruna with SAS or Norwegian. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is Finland’s main air travel hub. From here, you’ll be able to take a direct flight to either Kemi or Rovaniemi with Finnair or Norwegian. Both journeys take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in your arrival city if you’d like to rest up after your flight.

Different ways you can experience Lapland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Lapland below.

ICE & SNOW HOTELS

Santa claus, snowmobile adventures, culture & history, reindeer & sami culture, winter tours, frequently asked questions about lapland santa holidays.

Live out your childhood dream by visiting Santa in Lapland, his North Pole residence. Not only will you meet the “man in red” and his cheerful elves, but you’ll also soak up Lapland’s beautiful, snow-blanketed scenery.

Whether you’re coming with the family, your other half, or friends, Father Christmas won’t be the only highlight of your trip. Spend your Lapland holiday enjoying activities in the snow, learning about the native Sámi culture, and cosying up by the fireplace.

Read on to find the answers to frequently asked questions about Lapland Santa breaks and start planning your trip.

WHERE IS SANTA’S LAPLAND?

Lapland is situated in the far north of Sweden and Finland, within the Arctic Circle. It is a region characterised by beautiful forests, lakes and rivers. Here the dark night skies of winter light up with the shimmering colours of the aurora borealis.

If you’re looking for Santa’s hometown, you’ll find it in Rovaniemi, Finland. Head to Santa Claus Village, just outside town, to meet Father Christmas, send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office, and learn about Finnish Christmas traditions.

• Visit Santa Claus Village in Finland to meet Father Christmas in his hometown
• Discover fun activities and things to do at Santa Claus Village

ARE THERE ANY SWEDISH LAPLAND SANTA HOLIDAYS?

Yes, you can see Father Christmas in Swedish Lapland. Although Santa Claus Village is located in Finland, that doesn’t mean that the “man in red” never visits Sweden!

On a winter break to Kiruna, you could have a Christmas-themed day to experience local festive customs. Bake delicious cookies, decorate the tree, and savour a traditional “Julbord” – a special Christmas buffet. The highlight, of course, will be visiting Santa Claus at his secret cabin in the forest.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO VISIT SANTA IN LAPLAND?

Take your pick from visiting Swedish or Finnish Lapland for your Santa short break. If you want to explore his official hometown, head to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Santa Claus Village is a Christmas-themed hub with plenty of fun activities to try, hearty festive food to tuck into, and elves to hang out with. Of course, it’s also where you’ll find Santa’s workshop. This is a great place to visit with kids, as you can all enjoy a private family meeting with Father Christmas.

Alternatively, travel to Kiruna in Swedish Lapland if you’d like to meet him in a peaceful setting. As part of a Christmas-themed experience, you’d be whisked off to a secret cabin in the woods. Here you’d get to chat with Santa Claus and spend the day enjoying Swedish Christmas traditions.

IS SANTA IN LAPLAND ALL YEAR ROUND?

You can meet Father Christmas at any time of year in Lapland! But if you come between December and March, you’ll get to soak up the enchanting festive atmosphere.

During this period the whole region is covered in glistening snow, so you can enjoy exciting outdoor activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling. Winter is also the best time to hunt for the northern lights in Lapland .

• Learn more about visiting Lapland in December or January
• Check out Lapland tours in February or March

CAN I CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS OR NEW YEAR IN LAPLAND?

Absolutely! Spend Christmas in Lapland and you could attend a festive gala dinner on Christmas Eve, accompanied by Santa’s elves. Join in the fun and help to decorate the Christmas tree before you tuck into the big feast.

You could then have the ultimate Christmas Day in Santa’s homeland. Whizz through the snow in a reindeer sleigh, meet Santa in his workshop, and taste delicious Christmas food. Think freshly baked gingerbread biscuits and a warm glass of glögg (mulled wine).

Or visit Lapland at New Year for a celebration to remember. You could attend a New Year’s Eve party in a wooden hut in the middle of a Finnish forest, experiencing local customs and cuisine. And, of course, you’d get to watch a spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

• Explore these Lapland winter trips
• Discover 7 reasons to visit Lapland in winter

WHAT ARE THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAPLAND?

Aside from visiting Santa’s workshop, there’s so much more fun to be had in Lapland. The region offers opportunities for adventure and indulgence in equal measure. This means that you can be as active or relaxed as you wish on your winter trip!

Here are the top things to do on Lapland holidays :

• Meet Santa Claus in his homeland
• Go mushing through the snow on a dog sled
• Marvel at the otherworldly northern lights
• Explore the countryside by snowmobile
• Sleep in an ice room or a glass igloo
• Enjoy reindeer sleigh rides in the snow
• Experience local Sámi customs and cuisine
• Celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve
• See Arctic animals in their native habitat
• Warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna

When you book a Lapland tour with Nordic Visitor, you can add optional activities and day trips to your itinerary. We recommend that you reserve any extras in advance to guarantee availability.

Speak to your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor about the excursions you’d like to incorporate into your Lapland itinerary. They will organise everything on your behalf, while you relax and look forward to your winter escape.

• Browse these classic Lapland holidays to start planning your trip
• If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Lapland travel experts

WHERE ARE THE TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN LAPLAND?

Where you go in Lapland will largely depend on the activities and sights you want to enjoy. You can read Nordic Visitor’s Lapland travel guide to learn more about each area, which will help you decide where to visit.

Here are the best places to go in Finnish Lapland :

• Santa Claus Village
• Kemi  

These are the top places to visit in Swedish Lapland :

• Abisko National Park
• Aurora Sky Station

WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST FOR A FINNISH LAPLAND SANTA ITINERARY?  

Day 1 - Arrival in Rovaniemi & snowmobile safari Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at Rovaniemi Airport for your transfer to your accommodation. You could rest after your journey or head into town to explore a little before your first Lapland adventure.

Come evening, it’s time to embark on a snowmobile safari and hunt for the northern lights. Enjoy an exhilarating ride through the snow, looking for the aurora borealis, as an expert guide leads you along the trails.

Round off your excursion with a hot drink and snack beside the campfire, then return to your hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Spend the night in Rovaniemi.

Day 2 - Dog sledding and Finnish sauna Head into the snow-draped scenery outside Rovaniemi today with a guided dog sled excursion. Learn about this traditional mode of transport in Lapland, starting with a brief lesson at the kennel. Then mush through the woods with your own sled.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Rovaniemi. You could indulge in a sauna session, the typical way to relax and unwind here in Finland.

Day 3 - Reindeer farm and Santa Claus Village This morning, hop on a snowmobile and make your way to a traditional reindeer farm. Here you can learn about the culture of Lapland’s native people, the Sami, and go on a sleigh ride.

Next, prepare to meet the “man in red” with a visit to Santa Claus Village, just outside Rovaniemi.

Revel in the festive atmosphere of this Christmassy haven, which is open year-round. Enjoy a private meeting with Santa with the elves on hand, and send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office. Then why not browse for souvenirs at the craft shops?

Day 4 - Day at leisure and visit to the Arctic SnowHotel Learn more about the local history, nature and culture in Rovaniemi this morning by paying a visit to the Arktikum Museum. Here you can explore the intriguing exhibits about Finnish Lapland and the Arctic region.

Come evening, head to the Arctic SnowHotel in Lehtojärvi, just outside Rovaniemi. Take a guided tour of this fascinating frozen hotel, which is created anew each year. Check out the rooms, restaurant and bar, all sculpted from ice and snow.

After your tour sit down for a delicious 3-course meal at Restaurant Kota, inspired by traditional Sami architecture. Then, you’ll either return to your accommodation in Rovaniemi, or overnight in the Arctic SnowHotel for an unforgettable stay. Choose from sleeping in an ice room or a glass igloo.

Spend the night in Rovaniemi or the Arctic SnowHotel.

Day 5 - Departure Today you’ll be transferred back to Rovaniemi Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

• Visit Finland in winter with one of these Rovaniemi tours or Kemi packages
• Read this guide to Finland in winter for more inspiration

WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST FOR A SWEDISH LAPLAND SANTA ITINERARY?  

Day 1 - Arrival in Kiruna and dog sledding After touching down at Kiruna Airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to yourself, perhaps getting to know the town or simply relaxing before you head out later.

At dusk you’ll get to enjoy one of the most special activities and traditions in Lapland: husky sledding.

Head out onto the trails on a dog sled driven by an expert guide. Glide through the woods and across snowy plains, looking for the northern lights as you go. Afterwards, fuel up with a hot drink and a snack by the campfire.

Spend the night in Kiruna.

Day 2 - Experience a traditional Swedish Christmas Today is the day to enjoy some Santa magic, with a Christmas-themed experience to get you in the festive mood.

You’ll be whisked off to a secret cabin in the woods, where you’ll meet Santa. Here, children will receive little gifts from the “man in red” – if they’ve been good!.

Enjoy Swedish customs in this enchanting setting. Bake gingerbread biscuits, decorate the Christmas tree, and sample delicious Swedish specialities during a traditional Christmas lunch (“Julbord”).

The rest of your afternoon and evening can be spent at leisure.

Day 3 - Visit the ICEHOTEL This morning, discover the famous ICEHOTEL, situated in the village of Jukkasjärvi just outside Kiruna. This was the original ice hotel that set a trend for the many others that now exist around the world.

Begin with a guided tour of this extraordinary hotel, learning how artists build it using ice from the Torne River nearby. You’ll also get to explore the ICEHOTEL 365, a year-round structure that stays cold in the summer thanks to solar energy.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure. You could opt to enjoy more activities, including snowmobile safaris and visits to a Sámi reindeer farm.

Day 4 - Departure Today you’ll take a transfer to Kiruna Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

• Explore these Kiruna tour packages to experience Swedish Lapland
• Find out the top 10 reasons to take a winter break in Kiruna, Sweden

WHAT TO PACK FOR LAPLAND TRIPS IN WINTER?

You’ll need to prepare for Lapland’s winter weather by packing plenty of warm clothing. We advise that you wear thermal layers and protective boots with good grip.

Outerwear is provided on outdoor excursions, but do bring an extra coat just in case you want another layer.

Check this recommended packing list for your Lapland trip :

• Thick woollen socks
• Thermal base layers
• Warm woollen jumpers
• Waterproof trousers
• Snowproof jacket or coat
• Thin wool or fleece gloves (ideal as a base layer under snowmobile gloves)
• Thick gloves, scarf and hat
• Small rucksack
• Heat pads for hands and feet
• Power adaptors with two round prongs (Europlug Type C and F)
• Find out about spending 5 days or 6 days in Lapland
• Take a look at these 3-day and 4-day Lapland tours

— REGIONAL SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE

Get the most out of your holiday.

• Explore places handpicked for you by regional experts
• Save time and effort with everything arranged for you
• Relax knowing you can reach us 24/7 during your trip

About Nordic Visitor Tours

Nordic Visitor is a Lapland tour operator and has been creating incredible travel experiences for customers in the region since 2010. Our Scandinavian travel experts know Lapland inside out, and will use their knowledge to craft your perfect itinerary.

With your Nordic Visitor package, you can expect personal service from your own designated travel consultant and a tailor-made itinerary with quality travel documents. Furthermore, we have long-standing professional relationships with trusted local partners, which are carefully selected by our staff for their high standards of service.

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Lapland for grown-ups: why lapland isn’t just for kids, a few fun facts about swedish lapland, 7 reasons to visit lapland in winter, how to eat like a local in lapland.

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A visit to Santa in Lapland: Meet and greet with Father Christmas in Finland

Written by Sam Van den Haute aka CheckOutSam

Did you know that Santa has an official place of residence? And that you can visit him? You can find him in Rovaniemi , Finnish Lapland, where there are also many other fun things to do. You can go reindeer or husky sleighing while looking for the northern lights and during the winter months you can have a whole lot of fun in the snow. Quickly read on and discover everything about Santa Claus and Finland and more tips for an unforgettable holiday to Lapland.

Hi, I'm Sam , the blogger behind CheckOutSam !

What will you read in this blog?

I got to see Santa in Lapland and I’ll tell you in this article how you can to!

Where does Santa live? In Rovaniemi!

Rovaniemi has been the official hometown of Father Christmas since 2010 and you can visit Santa in Lapland on every day of the year. His original home is in the so-called Korvatunturi (“Ear mountain”) in Finnish Lapland. But only a couple lucky people know the exact location, which made Santa decide to move to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. The city was however almost completely destroyed during the Second World War and five years after the end of it, Eleanor Roosevelt (the wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the American president at the time) came for a visit to see how the rebuilding process was going. She also wanted to check out the Arctic Circle and that’s why they decided to build a cabin eight kilometers north of the town. This put things in motion for the village of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi. The original hut can still be seen next to the post office in the home of Santa Claus in Finland. More than half a million visitors from all over the world have visited Santa in Lapland ever since. Most of them get there a month before Christmas, when the charitable man with the beard officially kicks off the Christmas season.

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is magical during the winter season.

Santa’s Christmas Village

It won’t come as a shock that the village of Father Christmas in Lapland is the most famous attraction in the country. Apart from restaurants, shops, cafés and hotels you’ll also find the following things here, which are guaranteed to put a smile on your face:

Santa’s post office

Since 1985 Santa has received over fifteen million letters from almost 200 countries. In the post office in Santa’s Village you can’t only write letters to Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, but also to the home front. That’s how your letter gets a special Arctic Circle stamp which can’t be found anywhere else in the world. 8,5 euros will by the way get you a letter written by Santa himself, which is a great way to surprise your friends.

One thing I know for sure: Santa will have a lot of work sending out all those letters on time!

Santa’s little elves

When you’re walking around in the village of Santa in Lapland, the little elves will undoubtedly catch your eye. They work for Father Christmas and ensure that everything is going accordingly. You can even take a class in Elf school to earn a magical degree. Which is always an added bonus on your résumé, isn’t it?

Santa’s reindeers

Unfortunately, there are no flying reindeers to be visited, but (in winter and spring) you can go for a ride on a regular reindeer sleigh and visit a reindeer farm. You can book the following rides:

• The path of the reindeer (5 minutes) kids pay 14 euros, adults 18 euros
• The path of the forest (15 minutes): kids pay 23 euros, adults 29 euros
• Winter adventure (35 minutes): kids pay 50 euros, adults 65 euros

Five euros will also get you an official reindeer driver’s license.

If you prefer going to an actual reindeer farm (where you’re also being hauled around by the animals), you can also book other field trips in Rovaniemi:

• A reindeer farm with a sleigh ride
• Going by snowmobile to a reindeer farm, where you’ll also go for a sleigh ride
• A tour during which you’ll visit a reindeer farm (+ sleigh ride), go for a ride with huskies and can have a blast on a snowmobile.

Let yourself be taken in tow by these magnificent animals.

You will also find almost 100 Siberian huskies in the village of Santa in Rovaniemi. You can take them for a walk in summer and go sledding in winter. You can either just visit the park and then you’ll pay 10 euros for a ticket as an adult and 5 euros for children (from four to twelve years). This includes a guided tour of 30 minutes. If you want to take the huskies for a walk, it will cost 50 euros per person (1 husky for 2 people) or 70 euros per person (1 husky per person). This allows you a total time of 90 minutes which you can spend walking in the forest. If you want to go for a ride on a husky sleigh, you’ll have to cough up 30 euros for an adult and 15 euros for a kid, which will get you a tour of half a kilometer. Of course you can cover longer distances and then you’ll pay almost triple the amount when sharing the sleigh with two people. Book your husky adventure already online to make sure this fun activity isn’t sold out when you get there. You can also do it online through this official tour operator .

What does a visit to Santa in Lapland look like?

All these awesome activities are fantastic of course, but meeting Santa up close is needless to say the ultimate thing to do on your trip to Lapland.

You enter a room, where the smiley man is awaiting you on his throne/chair. Next he asks you where you’re from, shakes your hand and says hello in Finnish (which is “mooi”). Then you pose for a picture and after a little chat your child gets a certificate which says he or she has been good boy or girl (because of course he or she has?!).

Do bear in mind that you can’t take pictures yourself, but there’s the possibility to pay for videos and photos which are taken of you. This will cost you 40 euros. If you don’t want any pictures and just want to meet Santa, you don’t have to pay for the privilege.

Yipee! I got to meet Father Christmas in Lapland!

Great places to spend the night in Rovaniemi

Of course you can spend the night in Santa Village itself, in the Santa Claus Holiday Village to be precise. For a standard room you’ll pay 149 euros for two adults . Traveling with two children? Then it will cost you 209 euros . Do pay attention to the fact that during the high season (from the 13 th of November until the 31 st of March) you’ll have to stay for at least two and sometimes even three nights.

To complete your visit to Santa in Lapland, there are quite a few other great ways to spend the night.

In the Arctic SnowHotel you can (as the name suggests) be in the arms of Morpheus between walls of snow. Moreover, you can dine in the ice restaurant! You’ll easily pay (depending on the period) 350 euros per night for the experience.

A slightly cheaper and yet at the same time a lot more luxurious option is the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel , where you also get to experience the northern lights in a unique way. It gives you a spectacular view over the tops of the trees and this on only a ten-minute drive from the center of Rovaniemi.

Another way to enjoy the aurora borealis is a glass igloo, like the Arctic Glass Igloos . For this you’ll also easily pay 350 euros per night , but it is an unforgettable experience. Do keep in mind that you’re not guaranteed to see the northern lights, this depends on a great number of factors.

The Arctic SnowHotel, not far off Rovaniemi. – © Artic SnowHotel

Other activities during a holiday in Lapland near Rovaniemi

The northern lights.

It’s not just about Santa Claus in Finland, but also about the aforementioned aurora borealis. There are different ways to discover this spectacular light show, ranging from a car to a snowmobile to a reindeer sleigh. From the end of August until the beginning of April you have the best chance to see the northern lights in Lapland. You can get a fun field trip to the aurora borealis starting from €75 per person . If you want to have a look at every possibility (and prices), you can do so here .

In my opinion the northern lights will always be one of the most beautiful natural phenomena.

Fun on the snowmobile

Adrenaline junkies can have a field day during a tour by snowmobile. Racing through this astonishing nature is an adventure you’ll never forget. For an hour on a snowmobile you’ll pay 79 euros per person . For longer rides (3 to 4 hours) prices start at 100 euros per person .

How fast do you dare to go?

And a lot more…

During winter you can go snowshoeing , skiing, fatbiking , Arctic Ice Floating , ice climbing, sail with an icebreaker, experience the world-famous Finnish sauna or have an amazing dinner in an actual igloo and so much more.

During the warmer summer months, you can go kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, jet skiing, horseback riding, cycling, … You’ve already understood that you’ll never get bored during a holiday in Lapland.

Going to see Santa in Lapland for Christmas? Then a Christmas menu in this igloo might be a fun idea!

Opening hours and how to reach Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi

You can go see Santa in Lapland on every day of the year and there’s no entrance fee to get into Santa’s Village. You only have to take the following opening hours into account:

• 1 st of September until the 30 th of November: every day from 10 AM to 5 PM
• 1 st of December until the 6 th of January: every day from 10 AM to 7 PM
• 7 th of January until the 31 st of May: every day from 10 AM to 5 PM
• 1 st of June until the 31 st of August: every day from 9 AM to 6 PM

Exceptional opening hours:

• 24 th of December: from 9 AM to 3 PM
• 25 th of December: from 12 PM to 5 PM
• 31 st of December: from 9 AM to 5 PM
• 1 st of January: from 12 PM to 5 PM
• 30 th of April: from 10 AM to 3 PM
• 1 st of May: from 12 PM to 3 PM

From Rovaniemi you can take the local bus 8 or the Santa Express and they leave every hour from the center. Sporty types can also walk the total distance of 8 kilometers or you can also drive yourself. When arriving by plane, you’re even closer because Santa’s Village is barely three kilometers from the airport.

A holiday to Rovaniemi isn’t complete without visiting Santa in Lapland!

Three fun facts about Santa

• The name Santa Claus is actually derived from the Dutch “Sinterklaas” (Saint Nicholas). This generous man brings candy and toys to all good kids in Belgium and the Netherlands.
• They say that Coca Cola has spread the traditional image of Santa Claus in his red costume and white beard. Unrightfully so, because it had frequently been used before by other companies in the 1930s. Prior to that he did wear a green costume.
• Rudolph (with his red nose) is without a doubt Santa’s most famous reindeer. He was created in 1939 by a copywriter named ‘Robert L. May Rudolph’ in a Christmas book of a warehouse. This was handed out to the children who were visiting Santa in the store and the rest is history.

During a trip to Rovaniemi the wintry landscapes are also really worth discovering.

If you’re still looking for an original idea to spend a holiday, you don’t have to look any further than Finnish Lapland. The village of Father Christmas in Lapland doesn’t only offer fun for the little ones, you can also have a blast here as an adult. Add the countless other activities and the potential presence of the northern lights to the mix, and you can already book your flight to Finland and go meet Santa in Lapland.

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Flights, transfers and half-board accommodation in your choice of four hotels.

A full day of activities including a husky and reindeer ride and a private meeting with Santa.

We'll provide you with a thermal suit, thermal outdoor boots, woolen socks and thermal mittens to keep warm in snowy Saariselkä.

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All of our experiences are available as 3 night trips with 4 days to experience more magic. another day in the dreamworld of lapland, with a host of extraordinary adventures. .

Our optional adventures can be booked on our 2 and 3 night trips. On Santa’s Magic, the Northern Lights adventures, if pre-booked, will usually take place on the first evening, while most of our other adventures can be booked for your free day or the morning of your last day. In all cases, excursion dates and times will be confirmed locally once you’ve arrived.

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Everything was so well organised. The whole trip although just ran so smoothly, reps were on hand to answer any questions. Hotel was lovely, good range of food and friendly staff. Rhys Santa's Holiday Club, Saariselka, Lapland, December 2022

Best holiday ever and I'm a hot holiday kind of person. Loved it! Laura Santa's Star Arctic Hotel, Saariselka, Lapland, December 2022

It was a magical experience would recommend to all please go there with the kids I want to go back again soon. Thank you. X Elin Santa's Hotel Tunturi, Saariselka, Lapland, December 2022

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The best places to visit Santa in Sweden, Norway and Finland

Of course, the exact location of Santa’s North Pole workshop is top secret.

But the good news is he’s set up satellite offices at several locations in Scandinavia and the Nordic countries.

All of these spots are worth a visit for more than just Santa, so if you’re considering a Christmas-themed trip to the top of the world, plan on giving yourself a few days, at the very least.

You’ll need time to visit the big man, drive a dogsled, take a reindeer ride, do some skiing, warm up in the sauna, and even get some Christmas shopping done while you’re at it. 

Here are some of the best places to see Santa in Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Rovaniemi, Finland

As any Finn will tell you, Santa is Finnish.

And while perhaps a few Swedes and Norwegians would beg to differ, thanks to the fact that Lapland also stretches through their countries, there’s no question that Finns do Christmas very, very well.

Santa’s most visited ‘official’ residence is Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, right on the Arctic Circle. If you’re looking for the full-on, magical Santa experience, this is it. 

Santa’s Village has a charming ‘office’ set up, where Santa meets his visitors.

It’s free, you don’t need an appointment and, naturally, Santa speaks perfect English, so no worries there. After your visit, you can go for a reindeer sleigh ride, a dog-sled ride and, of course, shop and eat. 

You can also post letters in the official North Pole post office where they’ll be stamped with the official Arctic Circle postmark. No matter the time of year, if you put your letter in the special red post box, it’ll be held for Christmas delivery.

Mrs. Claus has a house at the holiday village , too, complete with singing elves and cookies.

And, you can step over the actual Arctic Circle which cuts right through the village. It’s all a little touristy, some might even say kitsch, but it’s a fun, memorable experience – and not just for the kids. 

Once you’re here you may as well take advantage of everything else that Finnish Lapland has to offer, including snowmobile tours, husky-sledging , hiking trips, sauna and hot-tub experiences, frozen waterfalls and, of course, the northern lights.

There are plenty of tours available from Rovaniemi, including this northern lights by snowmobile trip, this reindeer and husky farm trip where you can drive a sleigh pulled by reindeer and, for the hardy, this ice-fishing and ice-floating trip .

The dog-sled experience at Santa’s Village is budget-friendly, quick, and surprisingly beautiful, so don’t miss it, especially if you don’t have the time or funds for a full or half-day sled excursion elsewhere.

Getting there

Rovaniemi, the de facto capital of Finnish Lapland, is a ninety-minute flight from Helsinki, and there are direct flights from abroad in season.

The most festive way to get here, though, is on the Santa Express Night Train from Helsinki, which takes about twelve hours.

Once you arrive, you can rent a car, catch a taxi, or pick up the Santa Village Express Bus , which circles between the airport, the train station, downtown Rovaniemi and Santa’s Village. 

Where to stay : It’s worth paying a little bit extra to stay right in the heart of Santa Claus Village – these classic cabins come with a private sauna – and Father Christmas is just a two-minute walk away. 

Santaworld (Tomteland), Sweden 

For a much more low-key Santa experience, head to Santaworld in Gusunda, central Sweden .

This Santa destination is, well, very Swedish. Instead of what many might consider “traditional” holiday fare, expect a Swedish fairy-tale experience with actors roaming the grounds in costume –including Santa and Mrs Claus. 

Swedish characters such as trolls, witches and dragons mingle with the elves. It’s very geared to small children, with carriage rides, pedal boats and plenty of magical places for kids to let off steam. 

Plays are performed throughout the day, involving Fairytale Land being saved from the Troll King – these can be challenging if you don’t speak Swedish or know the fairytales, but there are a few English performances, so look out for those.

And there are plenty of other things to do too, including meeting Santa’s reindeer and other animals, plus Juleljus, the dancing Christmas tree, and Dusty the living snowman. 

The best part of Santaworld is interacting with the characters, who speak English and are unforgettably delightful. And of course, Santa, who is as low-key and friendly as the rest of his friends.

The nearest airport to Santaworld is Mora airport, about 15km away. Buses are possible from Sweden’s major cities, but a car is really the best option – it’s about a 4hr-drive from Stockholm. 

Where to stay : A short walk from Santaworld, the Gesundaberget Lodge & Stugby has quad rooms for families, plus a sauna and children’s playground. There’s also skiing to the door, and they can sort out ski gear and lift passes.

Drøbak, Norway 

Don’t tell the Finns, but the Norwegians have their very own ‘official’ home of Santa, Drøbak , a small, charming, former maritime village about 35km south of Oslo.

There’s a post office where you can send postcards with an official Santa postmark, and the tourist office has a permanent exhibition of 250,000 letters to Santa from all over the world. 

Santa is in residence here over the festive season, and occasionally out of season too: you can check the exact dates here . The Julehuset (Christmas House), a huge Christmas-themed store where it’s always Christmas, is open all year round. 

And when you’ve had enough festive fun, Drøbak also has a small aquarium or you can take a ferry over to the Oscarborg Fortress .  

Getting there : You can get to Drøbak in less than an hour from Oslo by car, bus or ferry. Drøbak Getting there : You can get to Drøbak in less than an hour from Oslo by car, bus or ferry. 

Where to stay : Just five-minutes walk from the Julehuset, the Reenskaug Hotel has comfortable rooms in a historic building right by the Oslofjord.

See also: Christmas tours in Scandinavia Christmas in Sweden The best Christmas markets in Scandinavia

Moomin shops, sights and attractions in Finland

You may also like.

The 12 best Scandinavian islands to visit

9 of the best Viking tours in Scandinavia

Where is the Arctic Circle, and is it even real?

Visiting Scandinavia during the coronavirus crisis

Viking Longhouses: what are they, and where can you visit them?

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8 of the best Lapland holidays, tours and all-inclusive packages for a magical winter break

Whether meeting santa, taking part in exhilarating snow sports or chasing the northern lights, there’s a lapland holiday for everyone, article bookmarked.

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As the summer holidays approach and temperatures rise, those who aren’t jet-setting for sandy toes and tan lines should look ahead to winter trips and the enchanting spell of the Northern Lights .

If a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to Lapland is at the top of your Christmas list, now’s the time to book – the sell-out spot is at its most popular during the December festivities as children flock to meet Santa and grown-ups soak up midday sauna sessions.

From Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village to the warm aura of Kiruna, winter sunlight hours may be short during the polar night with temperatures often dipping below -9C, but Lapland days remain packed with unique activities and novel stays in ice palaces, glass igloos and tree houses.

With so many all-inclusive stays, snow sports tours and holiday options in the Santa-centric land, here’s  The Independent’s  pick of packages to transport you to the magic of the Arctic Circle this Christmas season.

Read more on Europe travel :

• How to have the perfect family holiday in Lapland
• Best kids club resorts in Europe 2023: Where to stay for family-friendly fun
• Sweden travel guide: Everything you need to know

Best for: Luxury breaks

Swedish lapland experience.

Lapland crosses the utmost northern borders of Finland , Norway and Sweden’s dense forests, but the rural Scandinavian landscape is not without its luxuries. Tailored tours, wood-fired hot tubs and private chefs bring home comforts to the wilderness for travellers willing to splash the cash stress-free on a Christmas fairytale holiday.

Off the Map Travel  provides a four-night Swedish Lapland Experience for a unique luxury stay in the heart of Arctic Sweden, including accommodation in the Icehotel and Treehotel, transfers, excursions and half-board meals. From £1,699pp guests can enjoy ice sculpting or husky sledging in Kiruna and Lulea, and spend the night in a cosy Aurora Hideaway – the perfect vantage point to see the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights while indulging in traditional Swedish dishes.

Best for: Northern Lights hunters

Arctic aurora activity holiday in finnish lapland.

Viewing the Northern Lights is one of the most popular adventures to top a travel bucket list – after all, the natural world puts on few more spectacular shows. Travellers can hunt the aurora in chilling temperatures from paths off the beaten track, in the sky on a hot air balloon ride or from the comfort of a glass igloo and a lucky few will witness the clear and colourful skies during their Arctic adventure.

Discover the romance of the aurora borealis with  Aurora Zone  on a four-night Arctic Activity Holiday in Inari, Finnish Lapland. Trip excursions such as a snowmobile safari, dog sledding and shoeshoeing fill days in the Sámi culture’s capital, with nights spent searching for the vibrant hues of the Northern Lights. The holiday package costs £2,025pp, including return flights from London , transfers, accommodation, meals, all activities and cold-weather clothing for the duration of your Lapland stay.

Best for: Christmas festivities

Santa’s magic.

Santa’s holiday home, Lapland, is where you’ll find the picture-perfect scenes of Christmas cards; reindeer, igloos and snow-dusted trees. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi even boasts Santa Claus’ Post Office, a husky park and boutiques ideal for last-minute present shopping right in the heart of the Arctic Circle.

Santa Claus Trips ’ Santa’s Magic holiday in the vibrant ski town of Saariselkä, priced from £1,239 per adult, includes return flights from the UK, half-board meals and accommodation in Tunturi Hotel for two nights. Festive highlights such as a private meeting with Santa, elves, igloos and reindeer sleigh rides dot the snowy break’s itinerary as the magic of Christmas takes hold of little and big ones alike.

Best for: Snowsports

Icehotel break.

What could be more exhilarating than taking to the ice by day and sleeping on it by night? Lapland’s snowsports offerings, from skiing to ice skating and (slightly tamer) sleigh riding behind reindeer or huskies, come in abundance so the winter fun doesn’t have to stop at Santa and accommodation doesn’t need to be boring.

Discover the World  offers a three-night stay at the  Icehotel  in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, from £733pp. Here, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and husky sledging excursions meet evenings spent eating and drinking in the Icebar, inside the hotel crafted each year using ice from the frozen River Torne. Return flights from London to Kiruna start from £204 in December.

Best for: Family fun

Santa breaks in yllas.

Santa trips, skiing holidays and nights spent seeking the bewitching Northern Lights are the perfect ingredients for a family winter holiday regardless of the Arctic temperatures. Kids of all ages will love the unique magic of the dynamic landscape and its snow-based activities, and visits to Father Christmas are bound to be a hit – even with the non-believers – so long as you wrap up warm and let imaginations run wild.

Inghams  provides a four-night holiday for two adults and two children from £1,059pp when travelling in November. The package includes return flights from Manchester and a half-board stay at the family-friendly Akäs (Snow Elf) Hotel & Alp Apartments. The hub of the Santa programme in Ylläs, all excursions depart from the hotel and the colourful village centre is just a five-minute walk away.

Best for: All-inclusive packages

New year lapland arctic adventure.

Over the Christmas holidays demand for Lapland holidays is high, and it gets the price tag to match. While it’s unlikely to find a truly budget break to the snowy scenery in winter, all-inclusive packages often slash the cost of high-paced activity days, and are well worth it to see the magic and charm of the secluded spot for yourself.

Canterbury Holidays  New Year Lapland Arctic Adventure is the ultimate seven-day activity holiday to Lapland. From £1,740pp, extend the magic of Christmas and experience the winter wonderland of Finnish Lapland – return flights, excursions, B&B accommodation and a New Year’s Eve dinner and party are all included in the stay. Visits to Europe’s only amethyst mine and a “white hike” through the frozen forests and fells also fill days of post-Christmas bliss on this NYE adventure.

Best for: Off-grid explorers

Finnish lapland in winter.

Enjoying the solitude of nature while coping with extreme temperatures is all part of being a Finn. To live like the locals, going off-grid on a Lapland holiday on snowshoe walks to remote farms and fighting the cold with a glass of salmari gets you even closer to the heart of the Sami culture.

Intrepid Travel  offers a journey through Finnish Lapland in winter from £2,745pp, so strap on your hiking boots and crunch through snow-dusted woodlands as you travel from Helsinki to Rovaniemi across the pristine landscape. Dog sledging, reindeer herding and the famous “Santa Claus Express” overnight train are all highlights. Breakfasts, transport, accommodation and activities are included in the cost of this eight-day holiday. 

Best for: Romantic retreats

Finnish lapland and the arctic circle.

There’s a romance to the campfire cabins and snow-topped saunas of Lapland. Think charming traditions, pastel-hued skies and authentic natural landscapes in secluded woodlands – best enjoyed while riding a snowmobile for two, or a sligh pulled by reindeer – as a backdrop to long weekends for lovebirds.

Untold Story Travel  offers six-night private tours of Finnish Lapland and the Arctic Circle. Accommodation options include wilderness cabins and Arctic treehouses, and the holiday is tailored to every couple’s requirements. Potential holiday highlights include a personal host to monitor Northern Lights activity, enchanting reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobiling across a frozen lake before spending your final night in a private glass igloo.

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Lapland On A Budget – How much does it cost and top tips!

If you had told me at the start of 2018 that we would have been preparing to visit Santa in Lapland in December of that year, I’d have told you that you were dreaming. However, that’s exactly what we were in the throes of come February of that year. And I’m going to tell you the most affordable way to visit Santa in Lapland on a budget with kids . I’m also going to tell you how we bagged a 10-day trip for less than a 1-night trip to Lapland. Interested?

POST UPDATED JUNE 2021

• Booking excursions

Visit Santa in Lapland – Plan where you are going

Lapland excursions and things to do in rovaniemi with kids, cost of visiting santa in lapland from the uk.

*This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about affiliate links, please read my Disclosure Policy .

Taking your children on this fantastical trip to Lapland to see Santa, particularly in December on the run up to Christmas, is the sort of trip parents dream about. They imagine the delight on their children’s faces when they come face-to-face with the big man himself in his actual home, Santa’s Lapland.  It has always been considered the trip-of-a-lifetime, a bucket list destination , one that is usually out of reach for many people.

There are lots of holiday agencies that cater to parents who wish to take their children to see Father Christmas in Lapland, and who can afford it. But the cost of some of those Lapland package holidays put many people off. These are by no means cheap Lapland holidays. Sometimes the cost of a trip to Lapland is utterly eye-watering.

Read my complete guide to visiting Lapland with kids with top tips and more.

Tips for booking a DIY Lapland Trip

There are a few things you need to consider when considering booking a trip to Lapland on a budget.

Which Lapland town/resort to choose?

Deciding which Lapland town to go to is your first consideration. Personally, I don’t think there is one best resort in Lapland to see Santa in. Each Lapland resort has pros and cons over others, so if it is simply a matter of budget, compare prices for each town and airport and go for the cheapest.

One thing to consider is whether you want to be in a big town, whether you want to combine your Santa visit with some family skiing, or if the Northern Lights are top of your Lapland bucket list .

Lapland towns and resort include:

• Rovaniemi – The capital of Finnish Lapland and largest town. This is also the official hometown of Santa Claus, home to the Santa Claus Village , and has all the modern conveniences of a modern, large town.
• Ylläs – A smaller town that can have a more personal feel to it with skiing as an option too.
• Levi – This is Finnish Lapland’s largest ski resort and is popular with the Lapland tour operators.
• Saariselkä – The most northern town in Finnish Lapland, this is a great spot for skiing and also for trying to spot the Northern Lights.
• Ranua – A small village an hour from Rovaniemi where you’ll find the zoo, and plenty of igloo accommodation.
• Luosto – Another ski resort where you can also visit an Amethyst Mine.
• Ruka – This is a small traditional Finnish town that lies on the edge of National Park and that has a carbon-neutral ski resort.

We decided to visit the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi. As we were getting the overnight train from Helsinki (see below for more details), this was the most convenient Lapland resort for us. There is also an airport in Rovaniemi, less than 10 minutes from the city centre had we wanted to fly up from Helsinki.

But, as I’ve said, which resort in Lapland you choose to visit is a personal one. For details on how we booked our trip, be aware that prices reflect our choice of Rovaniemi.

How to get to Lapland – Flights and trains

There are two ways to reach Lapland. You can either get flights (direct or indirect) to one of the airports in Lapland, or you can fly to the capital Helsinki, and get the overnight train to Rovaniemi. If you are not staying there, you can hire a car and drive to your Lapland resort.

Airports in Lapland

There are four main airports in Lapland. They are:

• Rovaniemi – The main city in Finnish Lapland has an airport of its own located less than 10 minutes from the city centre.
• Kittilä – This airport serves Ylläs and Levi, with a journey time of 60 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively.
• Ivalo – This is the airport serving Saariselkä which lies 25-minutes from the airport.
• Kuusamo – The Finnish town of Ruka is served by this airport and is a short 10-minute journey from the airport.

Direct flights from the UK are the best way to arrive in Lapland but your choice is limited. Easyjet fly into Rovaniemi while TUI fly to the other three. However, these direct flights get booked up rapidly, as soon as they are released and you need to be quick.

There are a few Lapland Facebook groups where the release dates are announced, and you could sign up to Easyjet’s newsletter to try get early news of when their flights will be released. But it may mean a 4am start to get on your computer, ready to nab the cheapest early flights. And be aware that the prices start to increase rapidly as availability declines. Do not second guess yourself. If you think the price seems reasonable for your family and budget, BOOK IT, because hesitating and seeking advice will only mean someone else nabs that price and by the time you return, your quote will most likely have increased significantly.

Indirect flights are another option. You could fly to another European city, before making your way to Helsinki and grabbing a Finnair flight to one of the Lapland airports. This can work out significantly cheaper if you miss out on those early direct flights. However, as you will read later, this option was going to push our budget up, so we opted for another way to reach Lapland. By train.

Another way to reach Lapland is to fly to Helsinki and get the overnight train to Rovaniemi. This was the option we went with as it kept our budget low and was a bit of an adventure for us. If the overnight train sounds like a bit of fun, flying to Helsinki and hopping onto one of these can keep costs down, especially if you are a larger family.

What are your choices for accommodation in Lapland

Like all towns and cities, there are lots of accommodation choices in Lapland and where you stay is both a personal choice and dependant on budget. You can stay in an igloo, hotel, ice hotel, log cabin, apartment, the world is your oyster. And budget plays a big part in it.

We chose an AirBnB apartment in the centre of Rovaniemi as it was cheap and gave us what we needed. A bed for the night, somewhere to hang our winter gear to dry after a day playing in the snow, and somewhere to prepare breakfast and dinner. Eating out in Finland can be expensive so booking a self-catering apartment gave us the option to keep our food bill down too.

Since we were not going to be spending any significant amount of time in our accommodation during the day, it seemed pointless to pay large sums for it. So, cheap and cheerful AirBnB was our choice. It meant we could splash out on our excursions a bit more too.

Booking excursion s

One thing you need to consider when booking a DIY Lapland trip is that excursions and experiences are extra, whereas with package holidays, they are included. The best place to get information about booking excursions for your family are the local tourist offices.

I contacted Visit Rovaniemi before our trip to get advice on the best place for a husky safari and for help in identifying a local photographer for our winter family photoshoot. And both recommendations were the ones we chose.

There are tourist offices in each Lapland resort that can help with excursions, as well as accommodation recommendations if you are struggling. They are:

• Visit Rovaniemi
• Ylläs Travel Information
• Explore Inari-Saariselkä
• Visit Ranua
• Visit Phya-Luosto
• Ruka Tourist Information

Remember, that if you are visiting in December, daylight hours are limited, so don’t try and do it all. Create your Lapland wish list and allow one excursion a day. You can see what we managed to fit in with our Lapland itinerary .

So, now that you have some tips, how much does it really cost to see Santa in Lapland? Well, here’s how we booked Lapland on a budget and exactly how much it cost us. Note that these prices are for December 2018.

How much does it usually cost to go to Lapland to see Father Christmas?

There are several options when it comes to going to Finnish Lapland to visit Santa from the UK. There are travel agencies who offer a one day trip to Lapland, Finland, and families often find this is the cheapest way to visit Lapland. But for a family of three, like us, this still costs a pretty penny at an average of £1300 for December. For a Lapland day trip! Cheap Lapland day trips just don’t exist.

And to avail of this option, you’ll be facing a 6am-ish flight from Gatwick and returning to Gatwick around midnight. There are similar early starts from other airports too. I don’t know about you but that is not the sort of trip I could face with a young child. Certainly not for that price.

Plus, you’ll most likely need to add an overnight stay in an airport hotel both before and after your trip. For a family of four, that cost goes up to around £1740, depending on the travel agency you book with. So, Santa day trips and their worth are something to really think about before you book a holiday to Lapland.

So, what’s your next option? Well, you could choose to do a 2 day trip to Lapland which would include a one overnight stay. Again, you’d probably be facing an early morning flight, and returning the following afternoon or evening. I looked into the cost of this for a family of three and the two quotes I got back for these Lapland packages were between £1797 and £2866*, depending on your departure airport and hotel accommodation. For a family of four that increased to between £2316 and £3176. I suspect you could buy a few Christmas puds and mince pies for that money! Cheap trips to Lapland these are not.

And Lapland 2 night breaks were coming in at between £2257 to £3052 for a family of three, a family of four would be facing costs of between £2436 to £3436, again depending on your departure airport and hotel accommodation. So, you can see how these prices could be a bit of a shock for such short Lapland family holidays. Many families wouldn’t spend that much on a summer one or two-week holiday in the sun. So, why should Lapland holidays cost more than your summer one? Seems unfair, no?

Now, what if I told you that you could meet Santa in Lapland for 4 nights, and visit the Finnish capital of Helsinki for 3 nights and still not spend as much as a 1 night trip to Lapland package holiday? Would you believe me? Are you thinking there is a catch?

Let me tell you, yes you can and no, there’s no catch.

My sister-in-law managed to visit Santa in Lapland on a budget a few years ago and she has been the inspiration for us, and many others, to finally be able to make this trip-of-a-lifetime in a more affordable way.

So, how can you visit Lapland in an affordable way? By booking everything yourself and doing your Lapland trip DIY style. It may seem like a daunting prospect but it’s actually rather easy, you just need to be a bit savvy. And I’m going to share with you how we’ve done it and how much it’s cost us. I hope this will help you DIY Lapland and prove to you that Lapland holidays on a budget CAN be done and help you find the cheapest way to do Lapland.

Lapland on a budget with kids ( The most affordable way to visit Santa in Lapland )

The cheapest way to go to Lapland is to avoid those package holidays at all costs. DIY Lapland holidays involve booking your flights and accommodation yourself helping you to save a pretty penny. This is how we visited Santa in Lapland on a budget. Just be aware that you do not have the peace of mind as package holidays do when it comes to things like cancellations.

As we are now living in the Algarve in Portugal, we flew with TAP, Air Portugal, from Faro to Helsinki via Lisbon. There was no direct flight for us or other cheap flights to Lapland, so we had a transfer in Lisbon before travelling on to Helsinki. The cheapest flights we found involved a 45-minute transfer on the way out and a one-hour transfer on the way back. When you’re travelling with a four-year-old, that is very, very tight.

So, the next price up gave us four hours for our transfers each way, which was much more doable, considering TAP are notorious for being late or delayed. The base cost of our flights was €524 (£468, exchange rate at the time of writing this post). However, as our flight to Helsinki was an overnight flight, we booked extra leg room seats so that hubby could try and be comfortable enough to catch some sleep. So, the total cost of our flights was €693 (£619).

To find flights, availability and latest prices for flights to Rovaniemi (Lapland) or Helsinki, check out Skyscanner .

Overnight Train – Polar Express

We were due to arrive into Helsinki early in the morning and would be leaving later that night on an overnight train with VR to Rovaniemi, dubbed the “Polar Express”, arriving early the next morning.

We booked a two-berth cabin which cost us €196 for a return trip (£176, exchange rate at the time of writing this post). This would be the same price for a family of four with two children sharing their parents’ berths.

At the time of booking our train tickets the online payment system kept timing out on me. The Christmas timetables and tickets had just been released so there was probably a lot of people trying to book tickets at the same time.

So, to make sure I could avail of the Saver Berth prices of €49 per adult each way, I rang the customer services line for the online shop (+358 800 166888), choosing option 3 for English, and spoke to a very nice lady who did the booking for me over the phone. She also sorted out the additional ticket for our son, which was free of charge.

What do I mean by free? Children under 10 can travel free in the same berth as a full-paying adult provided they are sharing the berth. So, if you are booking online, don’t book a ticket for your children (one child per full paying adult). Instead, call VR Customer Services and they will add your children to your ticket. If you book online, you’ll be paying more than you need to for under 10’s. There is breakfast of porridge included but my sister-in-law reliably informed us it’s not the nicest, so our plan was to stock up before we left Helsinki.

VR Customer Services number is 00358 203 32033 and they have English speaking operators.

Accommodation in Rovaniemi

While there are numerous hotels in Rovaniemi, including one at the Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi, we opted instead for an AirBnB. Not only did we get a one-bedroom apartment, but we got the flexibility of being able to cook for ourselves as Scandinavia is not known to be the cheapest for eating out or eating in hotels. With a one-bedroom apartment, we had the option of putting our son to bed and relaxing for the evening after what I was sure was going to be very busy days taking in all of the amazing things to do in Lapland with kids in tow.

Photo by Rucksack Magazine on  Unsplash

I managed to book a centrally located AirBnB in Rovaniemi for four nights which cost us £477. Our host and I had some messages back and forth, and she was very accommodating and helpful. I also discovered that the apartment was conveniently located within walking distance to some of the museums in the city, an Angry Birds Theme park and that there were regular buses to Santa Village and Santa Park from near our accommodation. There was also a large supermarket across the road, so we could buy food for breakfasts and dinners.

Accommodation in Helsinki

Again, I booked an AirBnB in Helsinki within walking distance to the central train station where we would be arriving after Lapland. Public transport in Helsinki is brilliant so getting around wasn’t going to be a problem. We were staying in Helsinki for three nights, again in a one-bedroom apartment and this cost us £341. We planned to buy food for breakfast and dinner and possibly eat out for lunch.

Photo by  Alexandr Bormotin  on  Unsplash

Lapland Cost – Cost of our trip for accommodation and getting to Lapland

• Flights from Faro to Helsinki (via Lisbon, with bags and extra legroom): £619
• Overnight train return trip from Helsinki to Rovaniemi: £176
• 4 nights AirBnB in Rovaniemi: £477
• 3 nights AirBnB in Helsinki: £341
• Total spend for flights, train, and accommodation: £1613

So, as you can see, although we were spending more than we would have if we were visiting Lapland for the day, we were still under budget for a 1-night or 2-night package trip and we were getting much more out of the trip. A 10-day trip no less!

Considerations when doing Lapland DIY

One thing to consider when arranging a DIY holiday to Lapland, you need to remember there will be some additional costs which are covered by a package holiday.

You are responsible for having the appropriate winter clothing for this trip, whereas the packages provide the outdoor gear you will need. I know these are probably cleaned but personally, I wouldn’t want to wear something someone else has.

To get around this, I bought lots of winter and ski clothing for us in the Go Outdoors sale in February of 2018, almost ten months before our trip, and bought additional items in both the Blacks and Tiny Trolls of Norway sale. We had to buy almost everything as we have no need for warm, arctic-winter clothing here in the Algarve.

If you already have ski wear from previous family skiing holidays, then you are all set.

There is another option if you don’t have ski wear and don’t want to buy any just for this trip. Most Lapland resorts have places to hire winter clothing/skiwear. This will add to your budget but could work out cheaper than buying outer wear for everyone.

The winter clothing hire companies are:

• Ranua – contact the tourist information for help in identifying somewhere to hire your clothing.

There may also be a winter clothing hire location at Helsinki Airport. Click here for further information about winter clothing hire in Lapland.

Read my full Lapland packing list to find out exactly what you will need for your trip.

Another consideration is that some meals may be included with the hotel, whereas organising your family trip to Lapland on a budget means you’ll either need to cook or eat out.

Also, there are some excursions included in the Lapland package holidays which you will need to pay for. Santa Claus Village, Finland, is free to enter but you need to pay for activities and the pictures and videos of your meeting with Santa. So, research what activities you want to do before you go (see below for a list of Rovaniemi, Lapland excursions). Remember to consult the local tourist information board for help with specific excursion recommendations.

The majority of visitors to this part of Finland are going to visit Santa in Lapland. So, with that in mind, I thought it might be helpful to list out where you can visit Santa, whether you are going to Lapland with kids or not.

• Rovaniemi – There are two places to visit Santa in Rovaniemi, the Santa Clause Village and Santa Park .
• Ylläs – There are two ways to see Santa in this part of Lapland. You can visit the Secret Cabin or arrange for Santa to come to your cabin . Note that this second option gets booked up very quickly, so arrange it as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
• Levi – You have two choices in Levi, the Northern Lights Village or Santa’s Secret Cabin .
• Saariselkä – Again, at S you have two choices for visiting Santa, the Northern Lights Village or Kakslauttanen Resort .
• Ranua – You will need to visit Santa in Rovaniemi (see above).
• Luosto – Again, you will need to travel to Rovaniemi to visit Santa if staying in this resort.
• Ruka – From here you can visit Santa’s Cottage , 30 minutes from Ruak.

Photo by  Jérémy Stenuit  on  Unsplash

Santa – There are two ways to see Santa in Lapland. There is Santa Village where it is free to see Santa in his office but there are additional costs such as for your photo with Santa, reindeer and husky sleigh rides and sending a letter from the North Pole to someone back home. Or you can visit the underground Santa Park where there are activities with Elves and also a visit to Santa included in the entry fee. Plus, tickets are valid for two consecutive day’s entry.

Winter Safaris  – Longer husky and reindeer experiences or safaris are available but the costs of these can be quite high so shop around. We booked a husky experience with  Bear Hill Husky  and were really looking forward to it.

Museums in Rovamiemi – There are three museums in Rovaniemi that are family-friendly, which we planned to visit. They are Arktikum , Pilke and Korundi .

Snowman World – Located at the Santa Claus Village, Snowman World is a place to hug a snowman, see inside an Ice bar and restaurant and where you can try your hand at ice skating and snow tubing. All of the necessary equipment for this is included in your entrance fee.

Northern Lights Tours – one of the big draws to visiting Finnish Lapland is the chance to see the Northern Lights and there are many tour operators to choose from for a Northern Lights Tour from Rovaniemi. Just be aware that these usually take place at night after 9pm so really consider whether the cost of this trip is worth it with smaller children. We really wanted to book one but knew our son won’t be able to stay awake too long after a busy day. So, we’re going to wait until our next visit. Visit Rovaniemi is one of the best places to check excursions, prices and book Lapland activities and experiences.

The cheapest way to get to Lapland from the UK

So, if you are still wondering what will your Lapland trip cost to travel from the UK, let me clarify. I’ve investigated the cheapest way to visit Lapland from the UK and there are two options both of which are the affordable way to book your Lapland Santa visit. This will be a guide to how you can do your DIY Lapland trip.

Direct flights to Lapland

EasyJet fly direct to Rovaniemi from Gatwick twice a week on a Wednesday and Sunday. The flight leaves at 6.30am on a Sunday or 12.45pm on a Wednesday. And returns to the UK at 20.25pm (departing at 18.50pm) on a Wednesday or returns to the UK at 14.25pm (departing at 12.45pm) on a Sunday.

For a family of three, a flight with no checked bags was costing £423, rising to £550 for a family of four (prices correct at the time of writing this post in August 2018). 1 checked bag of 23kg would add £52.48 to the cost, 2 checked bags would add £104.96.

Each seat-paying person gets one cabin bag with this saver ticket, the dimensions of which should not exceed 56 x 45 x 25cm (including handles and wheels). EasyJet do not weigh cabin bags, so as long as you can carry it, and the bag fits the dimensions, it’s on. But I’m not sure a family of four could do this trip with just cabin bags, considering you are bringing winter clothing.

Check out prices and availability via SkyScanner.

Visiting Lapland via a flight to Helsinki

There are a number of airlines flying from different airports within the UK to Helsinki, including British Airways and Finnair. Departure airports in the UK flying into Helsinki include London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh.

I checked the cost of a Finnair flight from Gatwick to Helsinki for the same dates we were travelling in December 2018 and the cheapest flights, with no bags, came in at £276.50 for a family of 3 (£356 for a family of four). The cost of flights with a checked bag per person was £394.50 for a family of three (£506 for a family of four). This option saw the flight leaving Gatwick at 10.20am, so no need for an overnight stay in an airport hotel, and leaving Helsinki on a return flight at 8am.

Accommodation

At the time of writing this post, AirBnB’s in Rovaniemi were between £76 per night for accommodation outside the city to £150 within the city. AirBnB prices in Helsinki were between £48 and £100 per night in the city.

So, a trip from Gatwick to Rovaniemi direct would cost a family of three approximately £1024 for 3 nights (£1162 for a family of four), with one checked bag, staying within the city in a mid-priced AirBnB.

If you wanted to combine Rovaniemi and Helsinki, using the overnight train to get to and from Lapland, a family of three would cost approximately £1438 (£1550 for a family of four), all with checked bags, 4 nights in Rovaniemi and 3 nights in Helsinki in mid-priced AirBnB’s, and the return overnight train in a two-berth standard cabin, with children under 10 sharing the berth with their parents.

Photo by  Vincent Guth  on  Unsplash

Santa trips to Lapland need not be the thing of dreams. There are more affordable ways of visiting Santa in Lapland than the package holidays. By booking a DIY trip to Lapland, you can not only save money, you can also stay for longer, visit two cities if you want and take things at your own pace. Remember, when going on a package holiday, you are at the mercy of their timetable and may not get enough time to really experience the best of Lapland.

You will also be with a whole host of other families trying to jostle for a spot at the front of the queue to see Santa or trying to get the same Instagram-worthy photograph in the same limited time frame as you. By booking your do-it-yourself Lapland trip, you decide how long you want to spend on each activity and how long you want to stay at each destination. You can try beat the crowds by getting to each place at opening time, or you can wait until later in the day when the tour buses have left. You have more flexibility in so many areas and that to me is a no-brainer!

By combining Rovaniemi with Helsinki, you will also get to experience the overnight train, fondly nicknamed “The Polar Express” and while it is certainly not express at 12 hours, it will only add to the whole Lapland experience, particularly if you have a train fan among you.

I hope I’ve shown you that it really is possible to visit Santa in Lapland on a budget as a family and that Lapland breaks can be affordable without needing to break the bank.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your visit Santa Claus in Lapland, and save yourself money over those package Lapland holidays, using this post as a guide and make all your family’s dreams come true.

*Comparison of three of the top travel agencies who offer Santa Lapland Trips.

**All prices were correct at the time of writing this post (August 2018), and using the exchange rate on the same day (€1 = 0.8969 approximately).

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52 thoughts on “Lapland On A Budget – How much does it cost and top tips!”

Ah Cathy, that’s class!! I always thought a Santa trip was out of our budget but you make it sound so easy. Plus you get so many extra days in Finland. I’m showing this to my wife!!

It’s all thanks to Corrina, who showed families it’s more than doable!

That is amazing, we did a 3-day Lapland trip last year and it was very expensive and there was not enough time. I would definitely consider doing it this way if we went again (which we want to)

I know a few people who have been to Lapland who said how expensive it is for the length of time you’re there. Thank you for the detailed information about booking the trains – and I’d not thought AirBnB was feasible. I’ll saving and passing this link onto anyone I hear who’s wants to go this year. Love Bec

Thank you Bec. We had thought it was a trip that wasn’t doable due to the cost for such a short trip, but doing it this way makes it much more affordable and worth doing x

I would love to do this! And now how we all know how to make it do-able thanks to this post thank you 😀

Thanks as always Talya x

I knew Lapland holidays can be quite expensive but I didn’t know it would be that match. Glad you made your own itinerary and found a cheaper way to do it.

The package holidays are mad money for such a short time there. By booking everything else you get so much more for your money x

Would love to visit Lapland especially for Christmas! Thanks for sharing!

How exciting for you all! And that’s a pretty tidy saving you’ve managed to make – I’m going to have a look into that for next year.

Oh you should. We started booking things in February for this December and didn’t find the cheapest AirBnB. But I’m sure costs from the UK could be brought down even further x

Wow this is such a great post! We’ve always wanted to visit Lapland but the cost is prohibitive. It feels like it’s not out of our reach now!

I’m sure if you didn’t mind transfers between the UK and Finland, flights could be found cheaper. Plus you could also go for a low-cost AirBnB to bring the costs down even more. Doing it this way just gives us more time to soak up the magic of being in Lapland without being on a timetable x

Wow its expensive isn’t it. Well done on finding an affordable option for you to go x

We would love to visit Lapland with the kids during Christmas. That would be so cool. Maybe we can plan it for next year.

Oh you should Stella, they’d love it x

A trip to Lapland would be magical and it sounds like you have made it very affordable. I hope you have a fab trip.

Thanks so much. We’re really looking forward to it x

WOW!! I love this! I would totally do this but as a family of 6 I think it would be double with needing two rooms and extra flights etc?

My sister-in-law took 7 of them 2 years ago for less than €2000. It was her trip that has been the inspiration for us and many others to do this trip on a budget. So I’m sure you could easily still do it for just a bit more than what we’re paying. Check 2-bed AirBnB’s Laura because many will sleep 6 with a sofa bed. And you wouldn’t necessarily need full baggage allowance for everyone either. xx

We were lucky enough to go on a press trip to Finnish Lapland in March and it was wonderful, I would recommend it to anyone, particularly with children. However, it can be pricey o these tips are going to be a massive help!

Oh wow, that must have been amazing. And thank you, I do hope it helps others x

Wow, what a detailed post! I’ll be bookmarking this for the future. Would love to take the boys to visit Santa – we still have two years before my eldest turns 10.

This is brilliant info and has been our breakfast read at the table which inadvertently made our children think we were going already 😅 You mentioned you booked the trips back in February, would you recommend doing it that early on the year rather than doing it now for this Winter?

Not at all, I know many people who have just booked their flights and train journey for this December. I wanted to book it early as we couldn’t avail of cheaper UK flights as we’re based in Portugal. So I needed to get our flights early to get them as cheap as possible. I’ve also found there are more AirBnB’s available in Rovaniemi than when I booked. So if you want to go this winter, you still can!

this guide is amazing! I would love to visit lapland one day such a super cool experience x

I cannot tell you how impressed I am with this way of visiting Lapland. I would rather stay for longer and get better value for money. I think you are going to have an amazing experience

Thanks so much hun, I’m sure we will enjoy it x

That looks like such a fun trip! Look forward to hearing about it.

Thanks for sharing such detailed research. I remember reading Your post on EuroDisney which was equally impressive! #WanderlustKids

Ah thank you so much x

This is really useful research to share, thanks! It sounds like your trip will be a magical experience. #fearlessfamtrav

This is so magical! Love to do this with my and I love your money saving tips. #fearlessfamtrav

This is really useful research to share, thank you. It sounds like you are going to have a magical trip #fearlessfamtrav

Thank you so much, I’m sure we will x

I think this is. Great informative post! I think budget is such a worry with Lapland! I will be using this if we plan to go

You’ve certainly done your travel planning…and saved so much money or rather got a much better trip. We did a one day Lapland trip to see Santa several years ago and it was rubbish – way too much in one day! And Santa messed up big time as he didn’t have our letters!! #wanderlustkids

Oh no! That’s a shame. I do know Santa doesn’t give presents out before Christmas Day but we’ll sneak one in for the Elves to give our son x

Thank you so much for sharing this! I really want to take the girls to Lapland and this is totally made me feel like I can.

Thank you so much hun. I’m sure you’ll get there! Any help you need, just shout x

You’ve now planted the seed in my mind that Lapland is actually doable. I had always disregarded a trip there as I thought it’d be too expensive!

I had too until I saw you can DIY it and have a much better holiday for less!

Wow it is so expensive but such a once in a lifetime holiday. I love your ideas and I love that Lapland is doable on a smaller budget! #fearlessfamtrav

We are doing the same trip in December this year and we cannot wait.

Some great tips here for us too. Look forward to comparing trips when we get back #wanderlustkids

When are you going? I’m so excited x

What a great post! Lapland is on my bucket list, the youngest will be 5 and 7 next winter (2019) so think they’ll be a great age to take. Will definitely do a DIY holiday as you suggest, you get so much more time for the same money. Thanks so much for the tips and look forward to reading your reviews. #wanderlustkids

Thanks, I’m glad you’ve found it useful. xx

Wow! This sounds amazing and you’ve laid everything out so clearly! I’m so doing this! Thank you!

Thanks so much Tom, I’m glad you’ve found it useful. Any questions, just fire away 🙂

Thank you so much for this information, you’ve totally inspired me to price it up for me to take my 5 children. I looked a while ago at the package holiday route and ruled it out as ever possible at was looking at 10k+!! Now with this way I could do all the travel for £700 and found a beautiful log cabin air bnb for £250 a night that sleeps 8! I can’t believe you’ve opened up my absolute dream bucket list holiday again, and I think the overnight train will make it even more Magical and exciting! I know it was a few years ago but would love to hear what you did in Helsinki as have one day there. Also have found super budget reindeer and husky rides for about 20€ Each at Santa’s village so that’ll tick that off the list! Thanks again! Angela

Thanks, Angela, We really enjoyed Helsinki. Here’s my post about things to do in the city. You can pack quite a bit in, it just depends on what interested you and your family 🙂 https://passportsandadventures.com/things-to-do-in-helsinki-with-kids/

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Visiting Lapland & Santa – A Guide to Planning and Booking your Holiday

Taking your children to Lapland is one of the most magical holidays that you could experience, and that includes visiting Disney. We have wanted to visit Santa Claus at his home in Lapland for several years   (the closest we have come is our fab visit to Lapland UK ) but there is only a small window of opportunity available to take your children to this most magical destination.

Follow us on our travels on Instagram here

What we have found when planning our trip to Lapland is that it needs just as much research and planning as a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. I was totally unaware of the various packages available, what activities are on offer, how long to stay, which destination in Lapland to choose and more importantly how much it costs!

Here is our guide on tips, tricks and advice on planning your Lapland holiday.

Which destination to choose.

When we started planning our trip to Lapland we were totally unaware of the amount of different destinations on offer, all of which offer their own unique Lapland experience.

The most popular destination is Rovaniemi , a city that is the capital of Finnish Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus. At the famous Santa Claus village you will find a post office that sorts through all the letters that children have sent to the North Pole and Santa’s grotto. There is also the Santa Park which features activities and attractions for the whole family.

If you want a quieter, less commercial destination then look at Levi or Saariselka which many tour operators now offer.

Levi  is where we decided to stay, just a 15 minute drive from Kittila airport.  What makes Levi such a nice destination to visit in Finnish Lapland is that its the largest ski resort in Lapland, so if you plan to ski as well as visit Santa then this is a great destination to choose.  The stunning surroundings of Levi offer a perfect idyllic location for husky and reindeer safaris or snowshoe walks taking in the Northern Lights.

This small town also has plenty of restaurants, shops and bars whilst the famous snow village is around a 40 minute drive away and is rebuilt every winter with more than 15million kilos of snow.

Saariselka is located in northern Lapland, and you fly into Ivalo airport.  If you are looking for an authentic Lapland experience then Saariselka is a great option, where you can combine a visit to Santa with snowmobile safaris, husky rides in the beautiful Urho Kekkonen National Park.

Other destinations include Yllas, Luosto, Karesuando and Pallas all of which offer unique and less commercial Lapland experiences.

What is the best age to take children?

You only have a relatively small window of opportunity with your kids for an authentic Santa trip.  Finnish Lapland is further north than most of Alaska and young children might find it too cold with temperatures reaching -40 so it is widely recommended that the ideal age to take your children is between 5 and 10.

Which company to book with? How much will it cost? and how to get a deal!

There are lots of companies who now offer package holidays with direct flights from many UK airports to Lapland.  Some of the major operators include Inghams , Tui , Crystal Ski ,  Transun , Newmarket Holidays , Magic of Lapland , Santa’s Lapland and Canterbury Travel .

Holidays to Lapland are not cheap.  Prices fluctuate daily but on average for a family of 4 you are looking at costs of £2,000+ for a 3 night stay including flights, accommodation, breakfast and taster activities from the likes of Tui to £4000+  for all-inclusive packages from specialist companies such as Santa’s Lapland ,  Nordic Visitor and Canterbury Travel .

As well as checking the prices of a Lapland holiday on the websites of the companies mentioned above, it’s also worth checking the prices with the independent travel agents who specialise in Lapland holidays.

The prices offered by the independent agents can sometimes be cheaper than booking direct with the travel company for the same holiday. We used this method when booking our Lapland holiday and saved £400 with Hayes Travel  by asking to beat the online price listed on the travel companies website.

Companies to check are: Hays Travel Santa Claus Trips Dream of Lapland

If you are booking online, check for any discount codes that you can use to bring the cost of your holiday down and use cashback sites such as Quidco or Topcashback .

Don’t rule out a 7 day ski package

If you can stay for longer we found that it can work out cheaper if you book a 7 night ski package from Crystal Ski or Inghams to resorts such as Levi, Saariselka and Yllas compared to Santa specific 3 or 4 night breaks.

When to book

If you book early you can take advantage of any early booking offers but if you can take a chance wait until the last minute where travel companies try and sell off their Lapland holidays at great discount.

Last year we saw last minute holidays for a family of 4 staying for 3 nights for just over £2,000 – compared to £3,000 a few weeks earlier.

The downside of waiting for a last minute trip is that availability to fly from your local airport or staying at your preferred hotel / resort in Lapland could be unavailable.

When to go?

The most popular time to go is in the run up to Christmas.  The earlier you go the cheaper it is but if you go too early for example at the start to the middle of November there may not be enough snow on the ground to enjoy the activities especially further south in areas such as Rovaniemi.

If you are visiting before December it is worth checking with the local tourist boards to check when their winter activities start from because it’s typically from the 1st December.

Visit Levi  Visit Rovaniemi  Visit Saariselka

Choose your Santa experience carefully

On some of the trips Santa meets all of the children during a gala dinner at the hotel, which is not very personal, so if you want a more authentic Santa experience it’s worth checking what is on your itinerary.

On the trip we have booked with Inghams we visited Santa at his cabin on a private family visit which was amazing.  However if we were visiting Lapland again I would look at booking an even more authentic experience such as visiting Santa at this cabin in an old Lappish Village – view the full range of experiences available to book in Levi here .

If you are really looking for a special Santa experience then a visit to Santa Claus Secret Forest Joulukka (16km from Rovaniemi) is regarded as the very best that you can experience when in Lapland with prices starting from 179 euro per person.

When you book a package trip to Lapland along with a visit to Santa, other winter activities are typically included in your itinerary such as reindeer and husky rides, and snowmobile safaris.

It’s worth checking what activities are on your itinerary before booking and if they are taster sessions which can be all over in 5 minutes compared to the full experience.

When we looked at the various package options available companies such as Inghams , Transun and Canterbury Travel  tend to include longer experiences where as Tui   just included taster sessions, with the opportunity to purchase full experiences from the reps whilst in resort.

This is something to factor into the cost of your trip as although Inghams ,  Canterbury etc are more expensive by the time you pay for the extra activities which for example can cost anything up to 400 euros for full husky experience, there can be very little difference in cost.

We have never been on a ski holiday but we have always wanted to, so a trip to Lapland provides the perfect opportunity to combine a Santa experience with a chance to learn to ski on the slopes at Levi, which we did and were perfect for beginners. ( You can read about our ski day here )

As well as these paid experiences, children will enjoy playing in the snow or riding a toboggan which are free.  Dependent on the date of your visit the Ice hotels at Kittilla and Rovaniemi look a really unique experience to visit.

Don’t forget that Lapland is a perfect location to see the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. Staying in resorts such as Yllas, Levi or Saariselka which are located above the arctic circle are great for Aurora hunting, with organised excursions to see the lights.

If you want to book additional activities when in the resort it is recommended that you visit the local tourist information centre, who offer these at a much lower cost compared to what the reps from your travel company offer (apart from Inghams whose additional activities are typically cheaper than booking direct with the tourist information centre)

Levi Visit Levi  Snow Village Lapland Safaris 

Rovaniemi Visit Rovaniemi  Santa Claus Holiday Village Santa Park Snowman World Ranua Zoo Lapland Safaris Safartica 

Saariselka Visit Saariselka Lapland Safaris  Husky & Co Angry Birds Activity Park

How long to go for?

To appreciate all of what Lapland has to offer you need to stay for at least 3 nights.  We stayed for 4 nights and have near a full itinerary on each day including meeting Santa in his cabin in the snowy woods and making gingerbread biscuits with Mrs Claus, a husky experience, reindeer safari, learning to ski and a snowshoe walk.

What about a day trip?

On our Lapland booking experience we started off looking at day trips to Lapland lured into the guide price of just £349pp.  The other benefit we thought was that we wouldn’t have to take the children out of school or take time off from work, which is why these trips are extremely popular.

However we decided against this option as it is a very long day especially with young children.  Flights typically leave at around 6am for your 3.5 hour flight, you then have a few hours in the afternoon in Lapland where the activities are crammed together before flying back home 3.5 hours, returning back in the UK late at night on the same day.

If you don’t have the annual leave to have a few days in Lapland then a day trip is a good option, but with so much to see and do in Lapland you really need a few days to enjoy it and the short breaks are better value and less rushed than a day trip.

What about a DIY Trip?

You can save on the cost of your Lapland trip if you want to arrange flights, accommodation and activities separately, but it does take meticulous planning.

First of all you will need to arrange flights; luckily some airlines have started offering direct flights to Lapland, the downsides are if you are looking to fly direct from your local airport you are out of luck.

If you book with a travel company then they charter direct flights to Lapland so you can fly from local airports such as Bristol, Cardiff, East Midlands, Bournemouth, Exeter, Doncaster, Sheffield, Stansted, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

When you arrange your own flights the only UK airports that you can fly direct to Lapland are Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham – we use Skyscanner to find the cheapest fares and dates..

Alternatively you could catch an indirect flight, flying into Helsinki with BA or Finnair and catch a connecting flight to one of the airports in Lapland – Roviennini , Kittila and Ivalo (for Saariselka) .

If you do look at this option be aware that some of the flight times can be up to 9 hours because of the wait for your interconnecting flight.

When you arrive at Helsinki the other option is to catch the overnight train the “ Santa Claus Express ”.  You can book a cabin for the family on this double decker sleeper train for your snow covered 12 hour journey north to Rovaniemi Lapland. For more information and latest pricing visit their website , children under 12 travel free if they share a cabin with a paying adult.

If you sign up for their Veturi programme for free you can also get an additional discount on your rail travel.

The other option is extending your holiday and have an overnight stay in the beautiful city of Helsinki before catching your flight to Lapland the next day.

Accommodation & Activities

Dependent on the type of accommodation you want (hotel, lodge,apartment) online travel agent (OTA) websites such as booking.com offer competitive rates.  We always check the pricing with the hotel directly once we get a price from Hotels.com .

If it is showing as more expensive with the hotel directly it’s worth calling them or emailing them to beat the online booking websites price, which they typically will as they won’t have to pay any commission to the OTA.

It is also worth checking the accommodation and activities listed on the tourist offices for each resort Visit Levi  Visit Rovaniemi  Visit Saariselka

This Finnish company also offers tailored packages of accommodation and activities.

You can arrange your own activities via companies such as Lapland Safaris  which some of the travel companies use in their package holidays and it’s also worth checking Safartica 

Once you total up the cost of your flights, accommodation, activities, overnight stay if you are not flying from your local airport it’s worth comparing this to the prices offered from a package trip.

What clothes do I take?

As well as the provided outfits it is recommended to bring thermal underwear and socks, a base layer of moist wicking fabric and a warming layer of fleece tops and bottoms or woollen clothes with you.

Jeans are not recommended under your snow suit especially if you are spending a long time in the cold doing activities as you will get a lot colder quicker compared to wearing thermal leggings of tracksuit bottoms.

Another tip is bringing thin silk/thermal gloves to wear underneath your mitten gloves , a snood/balaclava and the little hand warmers. We found this great guide  really helpful planning on what we need to take.

Where to purchase the clothes from?

Stores such as Decathlon , Trespass , Go Outdoors , Berghaus ,  Cotswold Outdoors , Boden ,  Blacks etc all offer a wide range of the winter clothing required for a trip to Lapland, and we tried out the new range of Berghaus clothing on our visit .  As well as the specialist stores mentioned above you can also get thermals from Next, Marks and Spencer and the supermarkets including Aldi when they run their winter ski events.

Have you been to Lapland? Would you add to the list? Let me know below!

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Thank you for all this great information. Really informative.

This is such a comprehensive and helpful article for someone just starting to plan a trip to Lapland, and with so many useful links. Thank you so so much!

You are very welcome. Lapland is the most magical place to visit, you will have a great time!

Great information, thank you so much

I’m so glad I found this page. In the infancy of planning a trip next year. I’m sure I will keep referring back to this. Many thanks!

Thanks for this review, it has been so helpful. We are looking to go to Lapland this December. I wanted to find out which Santa Cabin your family visited? I see you mentioned you booked a private family visit. Have you got details for the cabin? We are also looking at Santa Claus Secret Forest Joulukka as an option.

In your opinion would it be worth going to Rovaniemi? We are wanting to base ourselves in Levi and do various excursions from there? Do you think this is a better option?

Thank you for this information it is so hlpful.

Really useful guide, thank you. So pleased I stumbled across your page.

Best advice I’ve found!!! Thank you very much!

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Learning to ski in Levi, Finnish Lapland

Review: Levi Hotel Spa, Levi Lapland

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Finnish Lapland

From the northern lights to the legendary sauna culture, this arctic destination has it all. Here's what you won't want to miss.

Milamai / Getty Images

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is the place to go to check more than a few once-in-a-lifetime experiences off your list — like seeing the northern lights and experiencing the midnight sun. The arctic destination has stunning nighttime skies, wide-open landscapes, and air so fresh it can make you happier. Here’s how to plan a trip to Finnish Lapland that you’ll never forget. 

When to Go to Finnish Lapland

Here’s the good news about Lapland: It’s always beautiful out — well, depending on how you define “beautiful.” The region's peak travel season falls between December and February thanks to a natural phenomenon we’ll get to in a moment. During this period, the region’s average temperature ranges from 3 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, though it can get down to as low as minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit with added wind chill. 

By contrast, temperatures in the summer can be much milder, usually ranging from 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a prime time to visit the area for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures.

How to See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland

Many visitors travel to Finnish Lapland to take in a few breathtaking natural occurrences — including the aurora borealis, or northern lights. You can see this phenomenon any time between August and April, though it occurs more frequently around the equinoxes in late September and late March. Visit then and look to the sky on clear nights for a chance to witness this incredible celestial light show.

Those looking for a more curated experience can ask their hotel for recommendations, or they can book a guided trip like a  three-hour aurora borealis picnic  in Rovaniemi, which includes a short hike to an outpost with warm drinks and food. You can also take  a snowmobile tour or, the most adventurous of all, an aurora ice floating experience in Rovaniemi . It's just as it sounds — guests don dry suits and set out on a frozen lake to lie back and blissfully gaze up into the night sky.

How to See the Midnight Sun in Finnish Lapland 

Giles Clarke / Getty Images

If you’re not much of a night owl, that’s okay because Finnish Lapland offers another spectacular show: the midnight sun. From late May until early August, the tilt of the Earth means the sky never gets dark. Make the most of the near-constant daylight by taking a hike, going fishing, or even playing a round of golf when you'd normally be asleep. 

What Else to Do in Finnish Lapland

Andrey-Kobylko / Getty Images

Go for a hike.

Finnish Lapland is chock full of  stellar hiking trails  fit for all levels. The Arctic Circle and Inari hiking areas offer everything from one-hour hikes to all-day wilderness adventures, as well as restrooms and visitor centers. 

Hit the sauna.

Sauna culture has long been an integral part of Finnish life , and there’s no better spot to experience it than in  Tampere , the sauna capital of the world. Come for the public spas, but stay for the arts, culture, and attractions like the Tampere Market Hall, the largest indoor market in Scandinavia. 

Paddle your way through the region.

Explore Finnish Lapland from a different perspective by taking to its rivers for a canoeing adventure. During the warmer months, you can take in the amazing views as you meander along calming waterways. Try this six-hour canoe trip  down the River Kapsajoki, which includes a campfire lunch and opportunities for fishing. 

Visit Santa Claus.

Fun fact: Santa lives in Finland. And you can visit him any time of year at the  Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Kris Kringle and his elves open their famous home and workshop all 365 days of the year. Meet the man himself, cross the Arctic Circle (which passes through the theme park), embark on a snowmobile safari adventure in the Lapland wilderness, and dine in a restaurant made of snow while you're there.

Where to Stay in Finnish Lapland 

Lingxiao Xie / Getty Images

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

At the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi, guests can enjoy a host of creature comforts in a nature-centric setting. Every room comes with fur throws and floor-to-ceiling windows, while some even have soaking tubs, fireplaces, and decks from which to take in the surrounding forest. Book the chic two-bedroom Arctic GlassHouse  to enjoy all the bells and whistles.

Seaside Glass Villas

Need more of a view? Spend a few nights at  Seaside Glass Villas , a collection of box-shaped bungalows in the waterfront town of Kemi. Each one has a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the Bothnian Bay, as well as a glass roof through which you can enjoy incredible views of the northern lights while lying in bed.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

You might recognize Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort's gorgeous glass-domed igloos from your Instagram feed, but even the best photos can't capture the magic of actually staying in one. Book the kelo-glass igloo to combine the privacy of a log chalet with the wow factor of the northern lights dancing over your bed.

Those seeking to stay in the lap of luxury need look no further than  Octola , an exclusive five-star hideaway with just 12 rooms and two chalets. Guests can book a single room or buy out the entire space if they want to bring along family and friends. 

What to Pack 

Packing for a summer trip to Finnish Lapland is relatively easy. Just bring whatever you normally would for any other summer getaway — shorts, T-shirts, a bathing suit, pants, and a light jacket for cooler nights. 

If you plan to visit in winter, you'll need to bust out the big checked bag and pack it with cozy thermal underwear, insulated snow boots with a grip, an insulated jacket, waterproof or snowproof pants , a few wool sweaters, warm gloves and socks, a hat, a scarf, and some instant heat packs to throw in your gloves and boots. If your feet tend to get cold, then foot warmers are another option. Don’t forget your camera, and make sure to pack extra batteries — they will drain quickly in the cold weather. 

How to Get There 

Despite being located in Finland's far north, getting to Lapland isn’t nearly as difficult as you may think. First, fly into Helsinki, then, depending on your final destination, continue to either Kemi or Rovaniemi by regional flight. Finnair and Norwegian Air each offer a 90-minute nonstop to Rovaniemi, or you can board a one-stop Finnair flight to Kemi via Kokkola-Jakobstad Airport in Kronoby.

If you've got the time, a scenic seven-hour train ride will get you from Helsinki to Kemi (the ride to Rovaniemi takes 8.5 hours). You can also travel between Rovaniemi and Kemi by train for a 90-minute intra-Lapland adventure.

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59 European Places You NEED To Visit In Your Lifetime

Posted: December 15, 2023 | Last updated: December 15, 2023

Europe's unmissable sights

For such a small continent, Europe certainly punches above its weight. There are countless things to see, do, eat, learn and admire here – from historic neighborhoods to natural wonders. Read on to discover 59 European places you should definitely add to your bucket list.

Go on a polar adventure in Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard is the final frontier before the North Pole and one of the world's northernmost inhabited areas. A place of dramatic landscapes, it’s perfect for observing the mesmerizing Northern Lights throughout winter, while summers bring perennial sunlight. As one of Europe’s last true wildernesses, it’s also great for spotting Arctic foxes and polar bears.

Visit Santa Claus Village in Lapland, Finland

Located in Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle, the Santa Claus Village is the “official residence” of Santa and his helpers. Visit the post office and write your wishlist, or stop by the Santa Claus office to meet the mythical man himself. With its Christmassy shops, snow hotel and a year-round festive atmosphere, even adults will believe in the magic.

See the chateaux of the Loire, France

More than 300 castles are dotted throughout the Loire Valley, and many of them are open to the public. Don’t miss the chance to visit one of the most exquisite: the 16th-century Chateau de Chenonceau. If you come to this picturesque region during the summer, you'll catch the captivating sound-and-light shows put on at many of the chateaux.

Hike in England’s Lake District, UK

Lace up your hiking boots and discover how the beauty of the Lake District – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – inspired William Wordsworth to write his sublime poetry. Follow in the footsteps of Alfred Wainwright, the intrepid hiker whose Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells is still required reading more than 70 years after he first started writing it. Whether you walk his signature routes or blaze your own trail, the majesty of the Cumbrian countryside won't fail to blow you away. Don't miss Bassenthwaite, Wastwater and Derwentwater, some of the prettiest lakes in the national park.

Climb the Three Towers in San Marino

Looming high above one of Europe’s smallest countries, the Three Towers are located on a trio of Monte Titano's peaks and used to serve as fortification during medieval times. Today only two towers are open to the public; when you reach the top of the highest tower, the Guaita fortress, you’ll be enchanted by sweeping views in all directions. San Marino is surrounded entirely by Italy and doesn't have its own airport or train station, so the Italian city of Rimini is your gateway to this elusive microstate.

Take a road trip in Iceland

For an unforgettable road trip, tackle some or part of the 828 miles that make up Iceland’s Ring Road. Leave at least 10 days to get to know some of the country’s most scenic spots. You'll go right past the huge blue-and-white expanse of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, as well as the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, whose thundering cascade you can walk behind – just remember to pack your waterproofs.

Explore Andalucia's white villages, Spain

For a break from the beach crowds along the Costa del Sol, head into the mountainous countryside of Andalucia. Take a tour of the interior’s white villages, called pueblos blancos. One of the prettiest is Zahara de la Sierra, which overlooks a giant reservoir and features the remains of a Moorish fortress clinging to the mountainside.

Get musical in ABBA the Museum, Stockholm, Sweden

Fans of Sweden’s most famous musical exports can find out how Agnetha, Anni-Frid, Bjorn and Benny rose to fame in this fun museum. Listen to the fab foursome's memories of how they put Swedish pop music on the map, and see how you would look in their fantastically spangly costumes. Singing and dancing aren’t obligatory, but hard to avoid.

Hit the slopes in Grandvalira, Andorra

Feast on khinkali in Tbilisi, Georgia

Originating from the Caucasus mountain regions, khinkali are filled dumplings that you’ll find in every traditional Georgian kitchen. Most commonly they’re filled with a mix of spiced beef and pork mince with fried onions, but the fillings can range from mushrooms to various combinations of different vegetables. You'll find some of the best in Georgia's capital Tbilisi, at joints like Cafe Daphna and Amo Rame Bani. Eat the khinkali with your hands and try to slurp up the hearty broth inside without spilling a drop.

Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens of Paris, France

Pull up a green chair and chill out in one of Paris ’ most elegant green spaces. Kids will love racing toy boats on the ornamental pond in front of the 17th-century Luxembourg Palace. Stroll through woods and past elaborate fountains and elegant statues. Play a round of tennis if you're feeling active – if not, exercise the brain with a game of chess.

Visit Lisbon’s Bairro Alto, Portugal

Portugal’s capital has an enchanting old town, filled with cobbled streets and vintage trams that trundle through its historic quarter. Lisbon ’s layout harks back to its Moorish past, with narrow lanes and twisting alleyways. The old town is one of the liveliest parts of the city, with plenty of restaurants and bars where you can listen to the haunting sounds of fado, Portugal's Unesco-inscribed traditional music.

Hike along the Princes’ Way, Liechtenstein

Visit Rome's Pantheon, Italy

Rome is full of ruins, but the wondrous construction that is the Pantheon has been standing intact since AD 128. You can’t help but marvel at the coffered dome and its oculus that lets the light (and rain) in. It's one of Rome's most beautiful buildings, having started life as a Roman temple before becoming a Catholic basilica. As of July 2023, you have to pay for a ticket to peek inside – look out for the tombs of two Italian kings, Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I.

Explore Bergen, Norway

Norway’s second-largest city is in a breathtaking location surrounded by seven towering mountains and impossibly deep fjords. Stroll along Bergen's old wharf past brightly colored wooden houses, and hop on a ferry for a tour of the fjords. A visit to the fish market will whet your appetite for fresh seafood in the city's waterside restaurants.

Listen to live music in Galway, Ireland

Take a ride in Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, Denmark

Flop on western Algarve beaches, Portugal

You’ll find some of Portugal’s best beaches along this western strip of the Atlantic coast. Look out for Praia do Martinhal, one of the region’s most appealing beaches. It's one of the gentlest, as it's sheltered from the full force of the Atlantic's waves by the promontory at Sagres. It's only 90 minutes from the nearest airport at Faro, but it's a world away from the busier resorts of the eastern Algarve.

Ride a pedal boat through Amsterdam, Netherlands

Take the train from Koblenz to Mainz, Germany

Taste the tapas of San Sebastian, Spain

This northern Spanish city is famed for its delicious tapas – known as pintxos in the local Basque language. Take a slow bar crawl through the old town, nibbling these morsels of ham, seafood, cheese or olives along the way. They're either on bits of bread or on toothpicks, which you then tot up to find out how much to pay. Don't miss the Playa de la Concha, one of the loveliest city beaches in Europe.

Visit Bruges’ offbeat museums, Belgium

Three of Belgium’s most prized products – fries, chocolate and beer – get their own museum. At the Bruges Beer Experience, reward yourself with a craft brew in the museum's taproom after taking a tour. At Choco-Story, you'll discover the fascinating history of chocolate and see how it's made. And as you wander through the Frietmuseum, the smell of fried potatoes will eventually lead your nose to the museum's cafe.

See Berlin’s East Side Gallery, Germany

There isn’t much left of the Berlin Wall, but there’s a stretch in old East Berlin that's become the longest open-air gallery in the world and shouldn’t be missed. Check out the graffiti and street art mocking just about everything from politics to industrialisation. It's right on the edge of Kreuzberg, still one of Berlin's hippest districts after all these years.

Catch the best view of Venice, Italy

Leave the crowds of Piazza San Marco behind and hop on a vaporetto (water bus) to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. The church’s bell tower (currently closed for maintenance) typically allows you to see the best views of Venice – and there’s even a lift to the top. Elsewhere, use the vaporetto to explore some of Venice's lesser-known districts, including Giudecca and the studenty part of Dorsoduro.

Go shopping in Monte Carlo’s Carre d’Or, Monaco

Watch Prague’s astronomical clock, Czechia

For more than 600 years, this mechanical marvel by Prague’s Old Town Hall has been putting on a performance every hour. Watch the procession of Apostles and statues as they mark each hour in mesmerizing style. You can catch it every hour on the hour from 9am until 11pm. While you're there, don't miss a visit to the dazzling interior of the Old Town Hall, a complex of several Gothic buildings.

Visit Riga’s old town, Latvia

Latvia’s capital is a pleasure to explore, particularly Riga’s old town on the Daugava River’s eastern side. Walk along cobbled streets admiring the magnificent medieval and Baroque architecture before taking in the views from the top of St Peter’s Church tower. Because the tower soars to 425 feet, you'll have splendid vistas of the old town's crenelated roofs, the historic zeppelin hangars that now house Riga Central Market and the uber-modern National Library of Latvia across the water.

Soak in Budapest’s spas, Hungary

Explore Kazimierz Jewish Quarter in Krakow, Poland

Go hiking in the Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

The Tatra Mountains form a natural border between Slovakia and Poland, and feature more than 90 lakes and 35 valleys. Keen hikers can join a hut-to-hut guided tour and keep an eye out for wildlife, including lynx and bears. The town of Poprad is a handy starting point for guided or self-guided walks, as it's right by Tatry-Poprad airport.

See the art in London's National Gallery, England, UK

It’s one of the world’s finest art galleries – and as it’s free, it’s one of London ’s best bargains. The National Gallery’s huge collection covers everything from 13th-century paintings to works from the early 20th century. Among the 2,300-odd artworks are some of the world's best-known paintings, including Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Van Eyck's Arnolfini Portrait.

Stop for a coffee in Vienna’s coffeehouses, Austria

Visit the Acropolis in Athens, Greece

Enjoy Ljubljana’s riverside cafes, Slovenia

Slovenia’s capital is one of the most visually appealing in Europe; a harmonious blend of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture – not to mention an attractive string of cafes and bars along the Ljubljanica River. Some of the bars suit certain times of the day: for example, the ones along Petkovskovo nabrezje are the buzziest at happy hour. On hot summer days, head south to the large grassy area of Spica.

Eat oysters in Mali Ston, Croatia

Take a boat ride on Loch Lomond, Scotland, UK

Get the best view of Loch Lomond from the vantage point of a boat – anything as simple as a pedal boat to a large speedboat with its own skipper. Stop for a walk on a lake island or a lochside village. Loch Lomond forms part of the Trossachs National Park, the place to "bag some Munros" – walk up a Scottish mountain that's higher than 3,000 feet. You've got 21 here to choose from. Alternatively, explore Scotland by cruise ship – its coastline and islands make for an epic seafaring adventure.

Visit Kotor, Montenegro

Visit the old town of Vilnius, Lithuania

Allow plenty of time to explore the fascinating old town of Vilnius – it’s one of the largest intact medieval old towns in Europe, an enchanting mishmash of all sorts of architectural styles, from Gothic to Neoclassical. But Baroque is the king here, including the imposing 17th-century St Casimir's Church. For superb views, climb the 193 wooden steps to the top of St John's Church bell tower.

Lose yourself in Sarajevo’s Ottoman Quarter, Bosnia-Herzegovina

The Ottomans founded Sarajevo in the 15th century, and you can still see the strong Turkish legacy in the Bosnian capital’s old Bascarsija quarter. It’s like a mini Istanbul, with souk-like stalls squeezed in among cafes and silversmiths and coppersmiths working their metals in tiny workshops. You'll spot their little coffee pots in cafes, whose Turkish coffee – called bosanska kava – will keep you going for hours.

Ride a boat through Gothenburg’s waterways, Sweden

Visit Beyoglu in Istanbul, Turkey

Once you’ve seen Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Istanbul’s other landmarks in Sultanahmet, head across the Golden Horn to Beyoglu. The district's Istiklal Street is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan in the city. Check out the little side alleyways where jazz clubs lurk in spaces hardly larger than cubbyholes.

Come to Lake Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia's Lake Bled really does look like something out of a fairy tale. There’s even a medieval castle perched atop the lakeside cliffs. Rising from an islet in the centre of the lake is the Baroque-style Church of the Assumption and its striking bell tower. Once you ride to the island on a wooden boat called a pletna, tradition has it that you should climb the 99 stone steps to the top of the church tower and ring the bell yourself.

Visit Symi, Greece

It’s hard to choose among Greece’s 227 inhabited islands, but if you have to pick one, go for Symi. This small Dodecanese island has one of the prettiest ports, a riot of colorful houses tumbling to the water’s edge – not to mention excellent beaches. On the days when it's too hot to hike to the beach, just take a water taxi from Symi harbor.

Explore Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, Cyprus

Join the party on Belgrade’s floating nightclubs, Serbia

Explore Gozo's Ggantija Temples, Malta

Visit Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Switzerland

Explore Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Walk across the Stari Most of Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Wander through Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands

Prepare to be dazzled by the extraordinary Keukenhof. More than seven million tulips and other brightly colored flowers spread across this sprawling garden that’s only about an hour from Amsterdam. But you'll have to time your visit carefully – because it's a celebration of spring flowers, the park is open only from March to May. 

Discover Ohrid, North Macedonia

Head to Snowdonia, Wales, UK

The biggest mountain in Wales and England stands at a whopping 3,650 feet, but there are many ways of exploring Snowdonia National Park without hardcore hiking. Its footpaths suit all levels – or you can just take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit. But it's not just mountains here – the park includes nearly 200 miles of seashore, with sandy beaches and sheltered coves.

Explore Berat, Albania

Wander through Tallinn’s old town, Estonia

Stroll along Varna’s Black Sea waterfront, Bulgaria

Urbane Varna stands out from Bulgaria’s Black Sea beach towns as it’s a port city and naval base as well as a resort. There’s plenty of room along its waterfront promenade for sunbathing, as well as a large selection of bars and restaurants. Afterwards, you can cool off in the lushness of the 19th-century Primorski Park.

Walk along Dubrovnik’s city walls, Croatia

Allow at least two hours for a wander around the medieval and Renaissance fortifications circling Dubrovnik’s cookie-colored old town. Get a snapshot of Dubrovnik life as you walk past courtyard gardens, laundry-lined balconies and terracotta rooftops. The walls are extremely popular with cruise-ship crowds that descend in their thousands, so try to time your visit for as early in the morning or as late in the afternoon as possible. A ticket for the city walls will also grant you access to Fort Lovrijenac, across the bay from the historic centre.

Spend a weekend in Dresden, Germany

Located near the German border with Czechia, Dresden has collected its fair share of nicknames over the years, including Florence on the Elbe and the Jewel Box. The world almost lost it forever during the Second World War, when it was bombed into near-oblivion. But this dazzling Saxon city has since been reborn and is full of world-class museums, lavish palaces, onion-domed churches and arty hotspots ready to welcome discerning visitors.

Get back to nature in the Faroe Islands, Denmark

Learn Belfast’s nautical history, Northern Ireland, UK

The story of the Northern Irish capital is inextricably linked to that of the world’s most tragic ocean liner. Built on Belfast’s slipways, the RMS Titanic began life here before sailing into Southampton for that ill-fated maiden voyage. Today, the waterfront Titanic Quarter of the city exists to further connect the dots of this maritime history, featuring unmissable maritime-themed attractions like the immersive Titanic Belfast museum.

Now discover the story of Titanic's lesser-known sister ship

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